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Mecca sees second lunar standstill in 2026
The phenomenon of the Moon's coincide (tawajud) with the Kaaba in Mecca will occur twice in 2026. The Moon will be very close to the zenith directly above the Kaaba on Sunday morning, in a phenomenon that can be observed with the naked eye. Its maximum elevation will occur at 7:50 AM local time, reaching approximately 89.87 degrees, appearing nearly vertical above the Kaaba. During this event, the Moon will be in a waning crescent phase with an illumination of 31.8%, located about 372,253 kilometers from the center of the Earth. The phenomenon occurs due to the Moon's proximity to the latitude of Mecca as it crosses the local noon line. This event serves as a visual indicator of the direction toward Mecca. Scientists confirm that the timings and angles of the Moon's coincidence vary due to its orbital motion, offering an opportunity to understand the relationship between the Moon's movement, the Earth, the local noon line, and the latitude.
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