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Majed Abu Zahra, head of the Jeddah Astronomical Society, outlined the celestial event in statements carried by the Saudi Press Agency. He said the moon will reach an altitude of approximately 89.98 degrees over the Kaaba on Monday morning, falling just short of a perfect 90-degree zenith but close enough to serve as a reliable indicator. Abu Zahra added that this alignment confirms the accuracy of astronomical computations for the moon’s path relative to Makkah.
The Jeddah Astronomical Society assessment found that at the time of alignment the moon will be about 374,187 kilometers from Earth with 91 percent illumination. Abu Zahra explained that such positioning makes the event visible to the naked eye for worshippers at the Grand Mosque and residents across the region under clear skies. He noted that the phenomenon doubles as both a scientific benchmark and a practical aid for global Muslim communities.
Abu Zahra told the Saudi Press Agency that facing the moon at the exact moment of alignment points directly toward the Kaaba from any location on Earth. This occurs as the moon crosses Makkah’s local meridian, creating a visual line that corresponds to the Qibla prayer direction. The society has documented similar alignments occurring several times per year based on the moon’s orbital characteristics.
Records maintained by the Jeddah Astronomical Society indicate that lunar transits over the Kaaba provide an alternative to solar alignments, which take place twice annually when the sun passes overhead at local noon. Abu Zahra has previously detailed how these events allow for direct comparison between predicted coordinates and actual observations. Data from past occurrences has supported refinements in models used for both religious orientation and broader astronomical study.
In its announcement the society highlighted that the brief window of alignment offers pilgrims in Makkah a distinctive sight while enabling astronomers to analyze angles and elevations. Abu Zahra emphasized the event’s role in demonstrating the interplay between precise celestial mechanics and daily religious practice. The Jeddah Astronomical Society continues to issue timely notifications for these phenomena to facilitate public awareness and participation.
Further calculations shared by the Jeddah Astronomical Society place the moon’s apparent diameter at around 0.53 degrees during the alignment, comparable to the sun’s as seen from Earth. Abu Zahra stated that the occurrence underscores the value of ongoing monitoring to verify computational tools without reliance on specialized instruments. Such regular events have become established reference points in regional astronomical reporting over successive years.
