On the night of Saturday, February 28, 2026, the skies over Makkah are set to offer one of the most breathtaking celestial sights of the year. The Ramadan moon will create a breathtaking astronomical moment as it aligns directly above the Kaaba in Makkah, according to the Jeddah Astronomical Society.
The head of the Astronomical Society announced that the moon is expected to appear directly above the Holy Kaaba at 10:40 PM Saudi Arabian Standard Time. At precisely that moment, the moon will cross the local meridian line and reach an altitude of nearly 90 degrees, placing it directly above the Kaaba at its highest point in the sky.
What Makes This Special?
Engineer Majed Abu Zahrah explained that this rare alignment, known as “lunar culmination,” happens when the moon’s tilt matches the latitude of a specific location. In simple words, the moon lines up perfectly above the exact spot where the Kaaba stands on Earth.
This rare alignment will not only offer a breathtaking view for skywatchers but also provide a practical benefit for Muslims around the world. During the event, the moon’s position directly over the Kaaba will assist millions in accurately determining the direction of the Qibla, the direction of prayer.
How Bright Will It Be?
The moon will be approximately 374,000 kilometers away from Earth at the time of the alignment, illuminated at about 91 percent, appearing nearly full and bright in the night sky.
The clarity of the view will depend largely on local weather conditions, atmospheric clarity, and light pollution levels. However, astronomers confirm that the event can be observed with the naked eye and does not require telescopes or special equipment.
This beautiful moment of nature during the holy month of Ramzan is being seen as both a spiritual and scientific gift for Muslims worldwide.
