What happens when sun aligns directly above holy Kaaba?
World
Phenomenon happens twice a year on May 27 and July 15
Al Riaz (Dunya News) - The sun came directly above the holy Kaaba, marking the first such event of the year, on Monday.
Majid Al-Zahra, Supervising Engineer of the Saudi Astronomical Society, confirmed that the sun was directly above the Kaaba at Saudi time from 12pm to 12:18pm. During this time, the sun was positioned at 90 degrees above the horizon, causing no shadows to be cast by the Kaaba or any nearby structures.
As the sun aligned with the Kaaba, many people in several countries took the opportunity to determine the direction of Qibla. The method involved placing a stick vertically into the ground; the direction opposite to the shadow cast by the stick indicats the direction of the Kaaba.
This alignment allowed for accurate determination of the Qibla direction, facilitating prayers for Muslims worldwide.
Astronomers say such a phenomenon happens twice a year on May 27 and July 15.
They further say it occurs because of the location of the Masjid al Haram in Makkah between the equator and the Tropic of Cancer.
