Latest news with #DubaiAstronomy
Time Out Dubai
6 days ago
- Science
- Time Out Dubai
How to see the Perseids meteor shower in the UAE
One of the most popular annual stargazing events is returning later this month, and we're already looking out the binoculars to make the most of it. An annual meteor shower, named the Perseid meteor shower, is making an appearance again, as the planet moves through a debris trail left by a former comet. Typically, you'll be able to see between 60 and 100 meteors per hour under ideal conditions between now and the end of August in Dubai skies. But the absolute peak time to see the Perseids Meteor Shower will be between Tuesday August 12 and Wednesday August 13. This year's peak will fall under a bright moon with 89 percent illumination on August 12 and 80 percent illumination on August 13. While this will mean a lovely, bright full moon in the skies it will wash out may of the fainter meteors. The Perseid meteor shower is always worth catching, especially for casual skywatchers. (Credit: CanvaPro) And the best bit? You don't need any high-tech equipment to enjoy it (yes, even those binoculars) as it is visible with the naked eye. You may like: Full line-up of astronomical events in 2025 For the best conditions, you will need to get away from the bright city lights, however and find a nice dark spot to go stargazing. Dubai Astronomy Group will host a special viewing event at Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah on the night of August 12. The event will include deep-sky telescope observations, educational sessions, expert guidance and a comfortable dark-sky setup to help you make the most of it. If you can't make that one, then we've rounded up some of the best spots in the country to see the Perseids meteor shower at its best below. The best spots to watch the Perseid meteor shower in the UAE Al Quaa Milky Way Spot A quiet and open spot (away from night pollution) is always a good bet for stargazing. Around 90 minutes from Abu Dhabi towards Al Ain, is the Al Quaa Milky Way Spot. If you're planning a visit on your own, you'll need a 4×4 to get there and be adept at desert driving. It has its own location tag on Google Maps (23.604633,54.750256.) Free. Open 24 hours, 7 days a week. Abu Dhabi. Al Qudra Desert A regular spot for Dubai Astronomy's stargazing events, this desert can be found to the east of Dubai. You can also head here on your own accord and set up camp for a night under the stars. Shuweihat Island If you are interested in seeing a place that looks spectacular day or night, then Shuweihat Island is a must. Around a four-hour drive from Dubai, you'll find salt flats and serenity. A 4×4 car is recommended when visiting. Free. Shuwaihat Island. Hatta Hajar mountain location Hatta, which is just an hour and a half away from the city of Dubai, can be a good spot to see the night sky, but as the spot isn't as deep into the wilderness as some of the others, there may be some light. In other Dubai news Dubai announces 4-day work week and reduced hours Check if you're eligible Mark your calendar: Dubai's summer start date is almost here It falls on a later date this year Dubai Metro Blue Line: Here's where the 14 new stations will be located What to expect when the route arrives
Time Out Abu Dhabi
6 days ago
- Science
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
These are the best spots to watch the Perseids meteor shower in the UAE
One of the most popular annual stargazing events is returning later this month, and we're already looking out the binoculars to make the most of it. An annual meteor shower, named the Perseid meteor shower, is making an appearance again, as the planet moves through a debris trail left by a former comet. Typically, you'll be able to see between 60 and 100 meteors per hour under ideal conditions between now and the end of August in Dubai skies. But the absolute peak time to see the Perseids Meteor Shower will be between Tuesday August 12 and Wednesday August 13. This year's peak will fall under a bright moon with 89 percent illumination on August 12 and 80 percent illumination on August 13. While this will mean a lovely, bright full moon in the skies it will wash out may of the fainter meteors. The Perseid meteor shower is always worth catching, especially for casual skywatchers. (Credit: CanvaPro) And the best bit? You don't need any high-tech equipment to enjoy it (yes, even those binoculars) as it is visible with the naked eye. For the best conditions, you will need to get away from the bright city lights, however and find a nice dark spot to go stargazing. Dubai Astronomy Group will host a special viewing event at Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah on the night of August 12. The event will include deep-sky telescope observations, educational sessions, expert guidance and a comfortable dark-sky setup to help you make the most of it. If you can't make that one, then we've rounded up some of the best spots in the country to see the Perseids meteor shower at its best below. The best spots to watch the Perseid meteor shower in the UAE Al Quaa Milky Way Spot View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dubai Astronomy Group (@dubaiastronomy) A quiet and open spot (away from night pollution) is always a good bet for stargazing. Around 90 minutes from Abu Dhabi towards Al Ain, is the Al Quaa Milky Way Spot. If you're planning a visit on your own, you'll need a 4×4 to get there and be adept at desert driving. It has its own location tag on Google Maps (23.604633,54.750256.) Free. Open 24 hours, 7 days a week. Abu Dhabi. Al Qudra Desert View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dubai Astronomy Group (@dubaiastronomy) A regular spot for Dubai Astronomy's stargazing events, this desert can be found around a one and a half hour drive from Abu Dhabi. You can also head here on your own accord and set up camp for a night under the stars. Shuweihat Island If you are interested in seeing a place that looks spectacular day or night, then Shuweihat Island is a must. Around a 2 hour and 40 minute drive from Abu Dhabi, you'll find salt flats and serenity. A 4×4 car is recommended when visiting. Free. Shuwaihat Island. Hatta Hajar mountain location Hatta, which is just two-and-a-half hours away from the city of Abu Dhabi, can be a good spot to see the night sky, but as the spot isn't as deep into the wilderness as some of the others, there may be some light. More going on in Abu Dhabi Everything happening in Abu Dhabi in 2025 From new openings to big events, this is shaping up to be quite a year It's official: Abu Dhabi Comedy Season is returning for a second edition with some huge names Wow, look at this line-up Abu Dhabi's best restaurants: Everywhere you should eat at least once Your dinner inspo is sorted
What's On
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
A rare Milky Way sighting is taking place this weekend; here's how you can join
For all the star gazers and chasers out there, there's something special happening this weekend. Dubai Astronomy is hosting an exciting stargazing event on June 21 in Al Quaa, Abu Dhabi, to witness the Milky Way in the UAE in all it's force and beauty. As astronomy enthusiasts and first time celestial crawlers come together in the Al Quaa Desert under one of the darkest night skies in the UAE, our galaxy will reveal itself in incredible detail and clarity. This remote location offers some of the most optimal conditions for stargazing, views of deep-sky objects, planetary details and the galactic spiral of the Milky Way, more spectacular than anything you can spot in the urban skies. What's going down? Astronomy experts will be taking participants through a four-hour-long curated, complete program lasting from 10pm to 2am. You'll be able to learn essential astrophotography techniques in hands-on workshops, including the practical instruction and the specifics of camera settings and composition techniques. You'll also get a chance to practice your photography skills capturing images of star clusters, nebulae, and the Milky Way's core and engage in sky mapping sessions for ancient constellations, supplementing them with fascinating stories and mythology. The program will come together with time dedicated to simply observing Saturn's rings, Jupiter's moons, and distant will be provided with everything they need for this experience, including high-quality telescopes and photography equipment. For those based in Dubai, the organisers are providing convenient transportation to be able to attend the event. Cheap, reliable bus transit is being organised, departing from Jebel Ali Metro Station. The comfortable three-hour journey also includes rest stops and will arrive perfectly on time for optimal conditions. Buses leave at 6.30pm and cost Dhs120 per person. How to join You can register at the Dubai Astronomy Group Instagram page to reserve your spot and transportation if you require. Make sure to hurry, as spots are limited and filling up fast. If you're taking the bus, make sure to arrive by 6.15pm latest to catch the bus. More stargazing written our stars As such, UAE residents are in for a treat this summer, as for the next few months, the Milky Way galaxy will be visible in the night sky. Also known as the Galactic River, the galaxy's main arm and core will be visible late at night, with the clearest and highest period for viewing being the months of July and August. As such, the galaxy is visible from until October, and offers a stunning celestial sight which is as beautiful as it is rare. To learn more about the most optimal viewing conditions, read here. @dubaiastronomy Images: Unsplash > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
