Thoughts - Antipode of Qibla at Mecca and the Antipode of Tematangi Atoll FP
Qibla at Mecca SA - Google Earth Image
I have had a number of visitors checking out Atoll Tematangi, the supposed antipode of the Qibla at Mecca. The curious soul that I am, I performed my own calculations. The above Google Earth image is of the Qibla at Mecca. I have annotated the image with the lat-lon (21.422508 39.826138) of the Qibla.
To calculate the antipode of the Qibla at Mecca do the following: 1) switch the sign on the lat 21.422508 to -21.422508. 2) take the lon and subtract it from 180 (180 - 39.826138 = 140.173874) then switch the signs (140.173874 to -140.173874).
Antipode of Qibla at Mecca - Marplot Map
The precise antipode of the Qibla at Mecca is located, as one can see, in the middle of the deep blue sea. The nearest land is Atoll Tematangi FP. However, that island is 50-km to the SW. If one wanted to pray from the precise antipode of the Qibla at Mecca a floating vessel would be required.
If one were to position themselves anywhere on Tematangi Atoll so that they might turn in any direction to pray toward Mecca, they would be 50-kms off (+ or - 6.7-kms the radius of Tematangi Atoll). The image below shows the location of the Antipode of Tematangi Atoll. It is not Mecca, but near a reservoir outside of Jeddah.
Antipode of Tematangi Atoll - Google Earth Image
A final word - the antipode of the Qibla at Mecca is an often discussed topic on the Internet. Some who discuss it do so with disrespect. I, on the other hand, have a great deal of respect for Islam and it's practices. So, I hope this post is not offensive to those of the Islamic faith.
Enjoy!
If one were to actually stand on Tematangi and face towards Qibla, one should face south-west at an angle of between 233 degrees (if you're at the far south of the atoll) and 243 degrees (if you're at the far north of the atoll). Nearly 10 degrees difference end to end for an atoll less then 10 km across. Interesting, huh?
Posted by
Anonymous |
8/23/2007 06:46:00 PM
Amazin work. you must be really interested in your work. Thanks for the facts bout the antipode of Mecca, I thought it was actually the island.
Posted by
Faseeha (15) |
2/21/2010 02:11:00 PM
thanks and great work...i was lokk for it and trying to figur it out....you helped me solve the delimma....
Posted by
Anonymous |
7/05/2010 01:04:00 PM
Hi Mr. Minton,
Thank you so much for the information and calculations. As a muslim, my understanding of the matter is that we generally do not need to be exact in their facing towards Makkah as it is more of a symbolic gesture than one requiring precision.
For the most part, being 50km off should be 'ok' :)
Posted by
NidalM |
11/08/2010 11:15:00 PM
"I, on the other hand, have a great deal of respect for Islam and it's practices."
Really appreciate that and nice work on this aspect. I look forward to discuss this aspect in a little more detail with you.
If I don't rely on subtraction part for absolute opposite lat/long but rather inspect the antipode (or give another name) in a different way would the location still be the same?
Such that if I pass a needle from Qibla (logically speaking), ensuring it is touching the center (at the core) of the earth then the opposite point it will emerge out from will still be "140.173874 ,-140.173874"?
This is relative to bringing into consideration ecliptic shape of the earth.
If possible can you please discuss this offline with me at usmanurrehmanahmed@yahoo.com?
Posted by
Usman ur Rehman Ahmed |
2/21/2011 11:35:00 PM
Salam, I normally dont post on blogs or anywhere on the interent, but i want to as a muslim thank you for your work, Walakum-Salam
Posted by
Anonymous |
11/01/2011 10:44:00 AM