Mashable: In a captivating blend of astronomy and spirituality, the sun aligned directly above the Holy Kaaba in Mecca on Tuesday, July 15, casting no shadows and offering Muslims around the world a rare moment of perfect orientation for prayer. This astronomical event, known as the Solar Zenith, occurs when the sun is positioned exactly overhead at a specific location, in this case, the Kaaba, Islam’s most sacred site. At the moment of alignment, which coincided with the Dhuhr (midday) prayer in Mecca, all shadows around the Kaaba disappeared completely as sunlight poured straight down, vertically.

The phenomenon is a result of the Earth’s axial tilt of 23.5 degrees and Mecca’s geographic position at approximately 21.4 degrees north latitude. As the sun journeys southward from the Tropic of Cancer, it crosses over Mecca twice a year, typically in late May and again in mid-July. Majed Abu Zahra, President of the Jeddah Astronomy Society, emphasized both the scientific and spiritual significance of the event, “The sky over Mecca witnessed the sun directly aligning with the Kaaba, causing shadows to disappear completely. The Qibla can be precisely determined from any location where the sun can be seen.” For many, this is more than just a visual spectacle.

It’s a powerful reminder of how ancient methods still serve modern faith. Without relying on GPS or digital compasses, Muslims can simply look at the sky at the moment of the solar zenith and know they are facing the right direction for prayer. Astronomers also seize the opportunity to observe how light behaves near the zenith point, offering valuable data on atmospheric refraction and solar positioning. As science and spirituality align in the skies over Mecca, the Solar Zenith serves as a timeless bridge, connecting the celestial rhythms of the universe with the everyday devotion of millions.