Mecca’s Kaaba shines bright from space, NASA astronaut shares stunning picture
Riyadh: NASA astronaut Don Pettit, who recently returned from the International Space Station (ISS), has shared a stunning image of Islam's holiest site, Mecca’s Kabba, from space, which appears illuminated like bright light even from 400 kilometers above the Earth.
Posting the image on X (formerly Twitter), Pettit wrote, "Orbital views of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The bright spot in the center is the Kaaba, Islam's holiest site, visible even from space.”
Orbital views of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The bright spot in the center is the Kaaba, Islam's holiest site, visible even from space. pic.twitter.com/yLSOnboOZC
— Don Pettit (@astro_Pettit) December 1, 2025
Noted for his artistic space photography on his fourth ISS mission between September 2024 and April 2025, Pettit shot the scene from the station’s cupola window using a high-resolution Nikon camera.
The photo captures Mecca’s dense urban landscape set amid rugged valleys, along with the Grand Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) at its center.
The Kaaba, the cube-shaped structure in black kiswah, stands out under constant floodlighting, its surface reflecting both sunlight and artificial light toward orbit, creating a striking light amid the surrounding hills and pilgrimage tents.
According to a report by India Today, from the ISS, cities such as Mecca appear as bright patches at night, their glow created by light pollution from millions of LEDs and sodium lamps that scatter through the atmosphere and remain visible to the station’s sensitive cameras.
The Kaaba stands out because the Grand Mosque is illuminated round the clock for prayer and Hajj pilgrims, a visibility further enhanced by the ISS’s 28,000 km/h orbital speed, which enables rapid captures during each pass over the Arabian Peninsula.
The post has captivated social media users across the world.
User @PaternalPath, wrote, “That’s a breathtaking sight. Really something else.”
Another wrote, “Beautiful. All religions should be respected, same for their sacred spots. I have a huge respect for The Saudis, the Arab people and all the Muslims around the world. May God bless and unite the Abrahamic faith, because we came from the same source. Let there be light. Amen.”
“From orbit, the Kaaba's glow hits different—like Earth's own eternal nightlight for the soul. Divine flex!,” remarked another.
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Inappropriate for MLAs seeking free IPL tickets, says D.K. Suresh
Bengaluru: Bengaluru Milk Union Ltd President D.K. Suresh on Monday said it is inappropriate for MLAs to seek free IPL tickets, adding that those interested in watching matches should pay for them personally.
Speaking to reporters near his residence in Sadashivanagar, he said, “IPL is a commercial tournament and does not represent the country. It is not right for public representatives to focus too much on such matters.”
Referring to the recent controversy during the RCB celebrations, he said, “let us find out who benefited the most from the statements made during the incident.” He also pointed out that BJP MLAs had received IPL tickets as well.
Responding to discussions about relocating the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Suresh said the government has already approved the construction of a new stadium at a location he had proposed.
“I had suggested building a stadium in Surya City and submitted a proposal for it. Bengaluru needs four stadiums in four directions to cater to its growing population and encourage youth participation in sports,” he said.
He noted that apart from Kanteerava Stadium, KSCA, and the Football Stadium, there are limited facilities in the city.
“When I was a Lok Sabha member, I had proposed allocating 100 acres in my constituency at Surya City. The land was later earmarked and the plan approved,” he added.
Suresh said he has discussed the project with Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Chairman Shivalingegowda, and Anekal MLA Shivanna.
“The Cabinet has now approved the project, and a stadium will be developed on around 50–60 acres,” he said.
He further added that he has requested the Deputy Chief Minister to build another stadium at Shivarama Karanth Layout through the BDA, where 40 acres have been allocated. Plans are also being discussed to develop a well-equipped stadium in Bidadi.
Commending state government's recent bilingual policy move, Suresh said forcing children to learn three languages could affect their comprehension.
“It is a good decision to make two languages compulsory. Learning a third language should be left to the choice of students and parents,” he said.
Responding to criticism from BJP leaders, he said their tendency is to oppose every decision of the government.
“To please their central leadership, they take a pro-Hindi stance. Instead, they should advocate for the adoption of Kannada in all states,” he said.
When asked about the earlier three-language policy under Congress, he said, “the situation is different now. Today, the focus should be on quality learning. Kannada should remain the primary language, while students and parents can choose an additional language.”
