Today, at 14:18 Pakistan Standard Time (PST), the sun will align perfectly with the holy Kaaba at the Grand Mosque in Makkah. This alignment will cause the Kaaba to momentarily lose its shadow. This rare event, known as the “zero shadow” phenomenon, happens twice a year because of the Kaaba’s unique location between the Equator and the Tropic of Cancer.
During this celestial event, the sun is directly overhead, making it an ideal time to find the exact direction of the Kaaba. Astronomers recommend using a vertically placed stick to see where the shadow falls, which will point towards the Kaaba.
This phenomenon occurs during the equinox when the sun is directly overhead places on the equator. The alignment happens twice a year, in May and July, due to the specific geographical positioning of the mosque. The sun’s position directly above the Kaaba is a significant event and draws interest from both astronomers and those wishing to accurately determine the direction of the Kaaba for prayers.
The Grand Mosque’s location makes this event possible, as it is positioned between key latitudinal lines on Earth. When the sun is at the right angle, it creates this zero shadow effect. This moment is significant for many as it provides a natural way to find the direction of the Kaaba, which is important for Islamic prayers.
