A rare astronomical event is expected to take place this year on the Day of Arafat, one of the most sacred days in the Islamic calendar, as the sun will align directly above the Holy Kaaba in Mecca. According to experts, this unique phenomenon happens only once every 33 years and is considered highly significant for Muslims around the world.
During the alignment, the sun will be positioned exactly above the Kaaba, causing objects in the area to cast little to no shadow for a brief period. The event is also traditionally used by people in different parts of the world to accurately determine the direction of the Qibla by observing the position of the sun.
Astronomers say the alignment occurs due to the Earth’s rotation and the sun’s apparent movement between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. While the sun passes directly above the Kaaba twice every year, the coincidence of this event with the Day of Arafat is extremely rare.
The Day of Arafat holds great spiritual importance for Muslims, especially for pilgrims performing Hajj in Saudi Arabia. The rare alignment is expected to draw special attention from both worshippers and astronomy enthusiasts, making this year’s occasion even more remarkable.
