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The skies above Makkah will witness the phenomenon of the sun aligning directly over the Holy Kaaba on Thursday, May 28, at approximately 12:18 PM Makkah time.
According to Saudi Gazette, Jeddah Astronomy Society Director, Eng. Majed Abu Zahra described the phenomenon as a precise astronomical event that attracts wide interest among those seeking to determine the Qibla direction.
He noted that it provides a direct opportunity to verify geographical and astronomical calculations without complex instruments, occurring when the sun reaches its apparent position directly above the Holy Kaaba and its rays fall nearly perpendicular to it.
Abu Zahra stated that at the moment of alignment, shadows cast by vertical objects in Makkah’s surroundings nearly disappear as sunlight falls almost perpendicularly on the surface.
This phenomenon occurs twice annually as the sun moves apparently between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn due to earth’s axial tilt of approximately 23.44 degrees, allowing it to pass over Makkah’s latitude twice a year, once northward and once southward.
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Meanwhile, the National Center for Meteorology (NCM) has called on pilgrims to follow preventive guidelines, especially during the midday hours from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, to help mitigate the effects of high temperatures at the holy sites.
NCM spokesperson, Hussein Al-Qahtani explained that weather conditions and temperatures are continuously monitored through the center’s monitoring stations distributed across the holy sites.
Al-Qahtani noted that the measure has become imperative to provide relevant authorities with accurate meteorological data and support decision-making, thereby enhancing the safety and well-being of pilgrims.
The Ministry of Health has also urged pilgrims to take preventive measures to reduce health risks associated with high temperatures and sun exposure, especially during peak hours.
The ministry noted that preventing heat exhaustion begins with using umbrellas while moving around, drinking sufficient amounts of water and fluids, and avoiding long walks under direct sunlight.
It also stressed the importance of recognising symptoms of heat exhaustion, such as dizziness, fatigue, and excessive sweating and called on pilgrims to immediately visit the nearest health center or seek assistance from medical teams if they experience any of these symptoms.
The ministry urged pilgrims to adhere to health guidelines, emphasising that their awareness and compliance are essential to maintaining health and safety and enabling them to perform the rituals in a safe environment.
