On Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at 12:27 PM Makkah time, the sun positioned directly above the Kaaba in Makkah, marking the second and final solar zenith event of the year.
This rare astronomical event allowed Muslims around the world to determine the Qibla direction with complete precision.
As the sun reached its peak elevation at 89.5 degrees, vertical objects in Makkah cast no shadows.
The event coincided exactly with the Dhuhr call to prayer at the Grand Mosque, producing a unique moment where the sun’s rays aligned perfectly over the Kaaba.
The president of the Jeddah Astronomical Society, Majed Abu Zahra, confirmed that this alignment occurred due to the Earth’s axial tilt of 23.5 degrees.
He stated, “This phenomenon occurs as the sun returns southward from the Tropic of Cancer and aligns with Makkah’s latitude of 21.4°N.”
Useful for Qibla Direction and Research
Abu Zahra highlighted that the event not only helps Muslims around the world confirm the correct direction for prayer by observing the shadow-less moment using a vertical object but also offers valuable research opportunities.
He said it allows scientists to study “atmospheric refraction effects near the zenith point.”
This phenomenon had last occurred earlier in the year on May 28, 2025, and the next alignment is expected on July 16, 2026.
Saudi authorities broadcasted the event live from the Grand Mosque, allowing global participation and educational insight.
Muslims worldwide were able to place a vertical object outdoors during the exact time of zenith, and the resulting lack of shadow pointed precisely toward Makkah.
This biannual solar zenith event is a result of the unique geographical location of Makkah and the Earth’s axial tilt.
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