On Tuesday 15 July 2025 (19 Muharram 1447 AH), the sun will position directly above the Kaaba at precisely 12:27 PM Mecca time, marking the year’s second and final solar zenith event.
This astronomical occurrence will eliminate all shadows in Makkah, enabling Muslims worldwide to determine prayer direction with absolute accuracy.
Engineer Majed Abu Zahra, President of the Jeddah Astronomical Society, confirmed the phenomenon results from Earth’s 23.5-degree axial tilt.
As the sun returns southward from the Tropic of Cancer, it will align with Mecca’s latitude (21.4°N) at an 89.5-degree elevation.
Vertical objects will cast zero shadows during this period, coinciding exactly with the Grand Mosque’s Dhuhr call to prayer.
This biannual event last occurred on 28 May 2025. The next alignment will happen on 16 July 2026. Abu Zahra noted the phenomenon also provides research opportunities for studying atmospheric refraction effects near the zenith point.
Saudi authorities will broadcast live demonstrations from the Grand Mosque. Muslims across Asia, Africa, and regions lacking digital tools can use this method to confirm Qibla alignment.
On 15 July 2025 at 12:27 PM Mecca time, the sun will align directly over the Kaaba, eliminating all shadows.
Muslims worldwide can verify Qibla direction by placing a vertical object outdoors—the shadowless result points toward Makkah. This biannual phenomenon occurs due to Earth’s axial tilt and Mecca’s latitude.
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