Rare Astronomical Event to Align With Eid Al Adha in Makkah

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MANAMA: Astronomical researcher Mohammed Redha Al Asfoor announced that the skies over Makkah will witness a rare astronomical event on Eid Al Adha, as the sun aligns directly above the Holy Kaaba on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, corresponding to 10 Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH.

Al Asfoor said the phenomenon will occur at exactly 12:18 pm Makkah time, coinciding with the Dhuhr call to prayer at the Grand Mosque.

He explained that the solar alignment occurs twice each year because of Earth’s axial tilt of 23.5 degrees, as the sun’s apparent movement between the equator and the Tropic of Cancer takes place around May 27 or 28, and again as the sun returns southward toward the equator around July 15 or 16.

Al Asfoor noted that what makes this year’s event particularly special is its coincidence with Eid Al Adha celebrations.

He added that during the phenomenon, the sun reaches its highest point directly above the Holy Kaaba at an angle close to 90 degrees, causing the shadow of the Kaaba and surrounding objects to disappear completely.

According to Al Asfoor, the event provides an ideal opportunity for Muslims around the world in daylight regions to accurately determine the direction of the Qibla, as shadows at that moment point exactly opposite the direction of the Kaaba.