Rare Astronomical Event for the First Time Since 1993: Sun to Be Directly Above the Holy Kaaba on the Day of Arafah

(Digital Ittila) A rare astronomical phenomenon is expected to be witnessed on the occasion of the Day of Arafah this year, as the sun will align directly above the Holy Kaaba, causing shadows to almost completely disappear. According to astronomers, this event is expected at noon on May 27, 2026, coinciding with 9 Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH (Day of Arafah). During this time, the angle of the sun will be such that shadows on buildings and open spaces in Makkah will become extremely short or vanish entirely. Experts state that this is a natural astronomical process resulting from the geographical location of Makkah, which is situated at approximately 21.4 degrees North latitude. This alignment occurs twice a year; however, its significance this year is amplified as it coincides with the Day of Arafah. Such a coincidence was last witnessed in 1993, and experts note that this synchronization occurs roughly every 33 years due to the difference between the lunar and solar calendars. The Saudi National Center for Meteorology clarified that this is a routine astronomical event and has no direct correlation with unusual changes in weather or temperature. A spokesperson for the institution stated that weather intensity depends on various factors such as humidity, wind speed, cloud cover, and atmospheric pressure, rather than just the position of the sun. They urged the public to rely only on authentic sources for weather and astronomical information.