UAE residents are in for a spectacular treat as the Perseids Meteor Showers illuminate the night sky this weekend. Starting tonight, these annual meteor displays are set to captivate onlookers with up to 100 shooting stars per hour. The peak of this cosmic event is anticipated on the night of August 12 and the morning of August 13, with a particularly dark sky due to the timing just before a new Moon. The showers are a result of Earth passing through the debris left by Comet Swift-Tuttle, creating a breathtaking spectacle of shooting stars streaking across the heavens.
To catch this awe-inspiring show, no telescopes or binoculars are necessary. Simply find the darkest possible location, arrive early, and allow about 30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the darkness. The Dubai Astronomy Group (DAG) is hosting a special event on August 12 at Al Awir Desert in Dubai, offering telescope observations, astrophotography sessions, and more.
For those seeking a different vantage point, the Mleiha campsite will also host a stargazing event. Attendees of all ages can enjoy telescope views, a meteor shower presentation, and engaging activities starting from 6pm.
This year’s meteor shower adds to a series of celestial marvels visible in the UAE, from the June Bootod meteor shower to the rare sighting of Comet 2022 E3 earlier this year. So, gear up to witness the Perseids and marvel at the wonders of the universe.
