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Sun to Align Above Kaaba on Day of Arafat in Rare Event

A rare celestial phenomenon to occur when the sun aligns over Kaaba during Day of Arafat this year.

  • Publish date: Sunday، 24 May 2026 Reading time: 1 min read
Sun to Align Above Kaaba on Day of Arafat in Rare Event
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A special astronomical event will take place this year, as the sun is set to align directly above the Kaaba in Mecca on the Day of Arafat. This rare phenomenon happens only once every 33 years.

Read More: Saudi Steps Up Heat Protection for Pilgrims at Arafat

Experts say the alignment will occur at noon on May 27, 2026, coinciding with the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah 1447H. During this moment, the sun will be perfectly above the Kaaba, causing shadows in Mecca to completely disappear.

This unique event happens twice a year usually, due to Mecca’s location near latitude 21.4 degrees north. The sun shifts between the equator and the Tropic of Cancer, creating these alignments. However, the overlap with the holy Day of Arafat was last seen in 1993.

The rare timing is linked to differences between the lunar Islamic calendar and the solar Gregorian calendar. Astronomers explain that the lunar cycle takes about 33 years to match the same solar dates.

The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia emphasized that this alignment is natural and does not cause extreme heat. Weather is influenced by factors like humidity, clouds, wind, and air movement rather than just sunlight.

Hussein Al Qahtani, spokesperson for the National Center for Meteorology, reassured that these events are monitored annually and are part of regular observations. He said any claims connecting this phenomenon to unusual heat waves need scientific proof.

He also urged the public to trust official sources for weather updates. Advanced technologies and observation systems are used to provide accurate forecasts and reports.

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