5 days ago
Perseid meteor shower dazzles enthusiasts
Muscat, Aug 12
Oman's skies are putting on a celestial show this month, as the annual Perseid meteor shower dazzles observers across the country.
Visible to the naked eye in most governorates, especially in dark, remote areas far from artificial lights, the phenomenon will continue until August 24.
Astronomers regard the Perseids as one of the most spectacular meteor showers of the year, thanks to the frequency and brightness of the meteors, which streak across the sky in captivating displays of light.
Oman Society of Astronomy and Space explained that meteor showers occur when the Earth, in its orbit around the Sun, passes through a trail of debris left behind by a comet.
The Perseids appear annually from around July 17 to August 24, reaching their peak between the night of August 12 and the morning of August 13. Under ideal conditions, between 80 and 100 meteors can be seen per hour. However, viewing rates are much lower in urban areas or when moonlight is present.
This year, the peak coincides with a waning gibbous moon with about 84 per cent illumination, which may obscure many faint meteors.
British expatriate Maria Jones described the experience as 'a moment of pure wonder'. She recalled: 'Last year, I joined friends in a remote location to watch the Perseids, and it was beyond words — hundreds of stars and meteors racing across the sky like a cosmic performance.'
Majid al Ghailani recalled a particularly memorable sight: 'While on the coast of Mirbat during the Perseids, I saw meteors blazing across the sky above the sea. It was a magical fusion of nature's beauty and the marvels of astronomy.'
For many, the Perseids are more than a visual delight — they are a shared experience. Families and friends gather under starlit skies to witness the display, exchanging stories and enjoying the serenity of the moment. Psychologists note that such natural spectacles can reduce stress and foster a deeper sense of connection to the universe.
