Waning gibbous moon appears above Kaaba in Mecca

(MENAFN) A waning gibbous moon appeared directly above the Kaaba in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, at dawn on Friday, creating a rare astronomical alignment over Islam’s holiest site.

Majed Abu Zahra, head of the Jeddah Astronomy Society, told a Saudi news agency that the event highlights the accuracy of calculations tracking celestial bodies, including the moon, and provides Muslims worldwide with a precise way to determine the Qibla, the direction of prayer.

For visitors and worshippers at the Grand Mosque, the alignment offered a visually striking spectacle. For astronomers, it served as an opportunity to compare mathematical predictions with direct observations, verifying angles and elevations.

Abu Zahra noted that Friday evening will bring another rare celestial event, as the moon is expected to pass in front of the Pleiades star cluster, also known as the “Seven Sisters,” briefly obscuring some of its stars. The phenomenon will be visible across Saudi Arabia and much of the Arab world, offering stargazers and astrophotographers a chance to capture the display.

Historically, such events have played an important role in Islamic astronomy, aiding in determining prayer times and the Qibla. Today, they continue to captivate both scientists and the public, combining spiritual significance with scientific observation. Astronomy groups and enthusiasts across the Arab world have shared images and commentary online, reflecting widespread cultural and scientific interest in the alignment.

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