Dubai (HRNW)- This year, a rare astronomical phenomenon will also be seen on the Day of Arafah, when the sun will be directly overhead the Kaaba. This sighting occurs approximately every 33 years.
According to astronomers, this event will occur at noon on May 27, 2026, which is the day of 9 Dhul-Hijjah 1447 AH (the Day of Arafah). At this moment, the sun will be directly overhead the Kaaba, due to which the shadow in Mecca will completely disappear.
Usually, this angle of the sun over the Kaaba occurs twice a year, which is due to the geographical location of Mecca, which is located at approximately 21.4 degrees north latitude. During this time, the sun appears to move between the equator and the Tropic of Cancer.
However, what is special about this phenomenon this year is that it coincides with the Day of Arafah, which is a rare coincidence. This previously happened in 1993. According to experts, this difference is caused by the difference between the lunar (Hijri) and solar (Gregorian) calendars, and after about 33 years, the date is again aligned on the same date.
Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Meteorology has clarified that this is a natural and normal astronomical phenomenon that has no necessary connection with an unusual increase in temperature.
According to the agency’s spokesman, Hussein Al-Qahtani, the severity of the weather depends on several factors, including humidity, the presence of clouds, wind speed and air pressure, and not just on the position of the sun.
He added that this phenomenon is monitored regularly every year and the public should rely only on authoritative sources for weather information.
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