Kaaba Visible From Space: Astronaut Captures Stunning Image of Makkah

Can the Holy Kaaba in Makkah be seen from space? Surprisingly, yes. Don Pettit, the NASA astronaut widely known for his artistic space photography, has recently captured a striking image of Makkah from orbit. He took the photo from the Cupola observation window of the International Space Station (ISS).

According to media reports, the breathtaking image shows the Kaaba as a bright point of light. The extraordinary orbital photograph of Makkah has created a stir across social media platforms.

Reports state that the holiest site in Islam appears as a radiant center of light, visible even from 400 kilometers above Earth.

Don Pettit, who has just returned from the ISS, shared the photograph on X. In his caption, he wrote: “An orbital view of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. The bright point at the center is the Kaaba, Islam’s holiest site, visible even from space.”

The image reveals the urban expanse of Makkah spread across rugged valleys, with the Grand Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) positioned at the frame’s center. The Kaaba — the cube-shaped structure draped in the Kiswa — appears exceptionally luminous due to continuous floodlighting.

This light reflects both sunlight and artificial illumination upward toward orbit, creating a beacon-like glow amid surrounding mountains and the pilgrims’ tents. The mosque’s round-the-clock lighting makes the Kaaba appear so brilliantly distinct.

Pettit’s expertise in long-exposure orbital photography made this shot possible. Known for documenting auroras, cities, and celestial events, Pettit continues to share Earth’s remarkable vistas from space. His latest photograph stands as a symbol of the endurance of humanity’s spiritual landmarks beneath the stars.