المملكة: The sun is perpendicular to the Kaaba on Thursday…and May 28 witnesses the closest moment to the completion of the phenomenon

He explained that perpendicularity is achieved when the sun’s inclination converges with the geographic latitude of the site, so the sun’s elevation angle approaches 90 degrees, which means it reaches the azimuth point directly above the Holy Kaaba, pointing out that this moment leads to the disappearance of the shadows resulting from vertical objects in the vicinity of Mecca almost completely due to the sun’s rays falling almost vertically on the surface of the Earth.

The president confirmed "Jeddah Astronomy" This phenomenon has great practical importance, as millions in areas where the sun is visible at the time of the event can determine the direction of the Qibla with high accuracy, by following the direction of the shadow resulting from a vertical object, as the direction of the shadow points to the opposite direction to the direction of the Holy Kaaba.

He added that this method is gaining special importance in the countries of the Arabian Gulf, various Arab countries, and regions near and medium distance from Mecca, due to the height of the sun in the sky at the time of perpendicularity, which facilitates accurate monitoring of the shadow and makes it one of the simplest and most accurate means. It is also used in astronomical education to clarify concepts. Celestial coordinates and the movement of the Earth around the sun, in addition to their historical use in correcting the directions of some mosques with high accuracy.

He explained that this phenomenon also represents observational evidence compatible with the spherical geographical models adopted in modern astronomy, as the occurrence of perpendicularity depends on the lines of latitude and the change in the angle of falling of the sun’s rays on the surface of the Earth, which is reflected in the difference in the angle of the sun between different cities at the same moment, with the possibility of accurately calculating the time of perpendicularity according to geographical coordinates.

He stressed Thursday, May 28, which this year falls on the second day of Eid al-Adha, represents the moment closest to the occurrence of almost complete perpendicularity over the Holy Kaaba, with the sun’s elevation reaching a value very close to 90 degrees, which makes it an important opportunity for accurate scientific monitoring in addition to its practical importance in determining directions on the surface of the Earth.

He added that this is consistent with known astronomical data, as the sun’s perpendicularity to the Holy Kaaba usually occurs near May 28 and July 16 of each year. General, with very slight differences related to leap years and some precise orbital factors.