Zhaotong Qibla Direction & Angle

Qibla without a compass: the sun and its shadow

Twice a year the sun stands directly above the Kaaba. At that moment, anywhere the sun is up, the shadow of an upright object points exactly away from the qibla — no compass, no magnetic correction, no phone needed.

• May 28, 2027 at 17:17. The sun will be 32° above the horizon; stand with your back to the shadow of an upright object and you are facing the qibla.
• July 16, 2027 at 17:26. The sun will be 32° above the horizon; stand with your back to the shadow of an upright object and you are facing the qibla.

When the sun crosses the qibla line through the year

The 15th of each month, local time. At times marked ★ the sun is opposite the qibla, so the shadow points to it; otherwise the sun itself stands in the qibla direction. “—” means the sun does not cross the qibla line high enough that month.