TL;DR
- The Perseids are active July 17 to August 23, peaking August 12–13, but moonlight may affect visibility.
- Best time to watch in the UAE: July 23–24 (new moon) or August 16–26 (post-peak, darker skies).
- Top stargazing spots: Al Awir Desert, Hatta, and other low-light desert areas.
If you live in the UAE and enjoy looking up at the night sky, now’s the time. The Perseid meteor shower, one of the most anticipated night-sky events of the year, has returned. Active from July 17 to August 23, it brings bright streaks of light and fast-moving meteors across the sky, often visible without any equipment.Known for fast, bright meteors, the Perseids can produce up to 100 streaks per hour during peak nights. These “shooting stars” come from debris left behind by Comet Swift-Tuttle, and they burn up high in Earth’s atmosphere, putting on a natural light show.This year, the peak falls on August 12–13, but unfortunately, it coincides with a nearly full moon. That means the sky will be brighter than ideal, which could make most of the meteors harder to see. Still, there are other dates with darker skies where you can catch the show, especially in the UAE’s wide open deserts.
What Is the Perseid Meteor Shower?
Each year, Earth passes through a trail of dust left by Comet Swift-Tuttle. That dust hits our atmosphere at high speed (about 60 km/second) and lights up, creating what we call meteors.The shower gets its name from the Perseus constellation, which is the point in the sky where the meteors seem to come from. But you don’t need to find it, just look up anywhere in the sky and be patient.
When to Watch in the UAE
- July 23–24 (Best Viewing Conditions): Just after the new moon, so skies will be darkest. You’ll see fewer meteors than at peak, but visibility will be much clearer.
- August 12–13 (Official Peak): This is when the most meteors will occur (up to 75/hour), but the 84% full moon will wash out many of them. Only the brightest streaks will be visible.
- August 16–26 (Late Window): After the full moon fades, skies get dark again. Meteor rates drop slightly, but viewing improves. A solid second chance if you miss the peak.
Where to Stargaze in UAE
You’ll need to get away from light pollution to see anything clearly. Here are a few recommended places:
- Al Awir Desert (Dubai): Not too far from the city, but remote enough for dark skies. A popular and easy-to-access stargazing spot.
- Hatta (2 hours from Dubai): Mountain air, desert surroundings, and minimal light. Great for overnight trips and casual camping.
- Al Quaa Desert (Abu Dhabi): One of the darkest locations in the UAE, and ideal for serious stargazing.
Additionally, the Dubai Astronomy Group will host a stargazing event on August 12, right during the Perseid peak. The event will include expert guidance, telescope stations, and desert camping vibes. Details are coming soon, check their site or Instagram for updates.
Viewing Tips: How to Get the Most Out of It
- Avoid city lights. Head out to a desert or low-light area.
- Let your eyes adjust. It takes 20-30 minutes for full night vision.
- Skip the gear. No telescope needed, meteors are best seen with your eyes.
- Limit phone use. Screens ruin your night vision.
- Watch for at least an hour. Meteors often come in clusters, with pauses in between.
Bonus: Milky Way Viewing on July 26
If you’re into more than just meteors, there’s an extra celestial treat this month. On Saturday, July 26, the Dubai Astronomy Group is hosting a Milky Way gazing event in Al Quaa Desert, Abu Dhabi.This event is all about taking in the full arc of the Milky Way Galaxy, which will be fully visible in the dark desert sky, with no city lights in the way. Whether you’re a seasoned astrophotographer or just want to experience a quiet night under the stars, this is a great chance to connect with the night sky.The Perseids will still be active during this time, so you may even catch a few meteors too.
FAQ
1. Do I need a telescope to see the Perseids?No. Meteors are best seen without any equipment. Just lie back and look up.2. Can I watch from my backyard or rooftop?Only if you’re far from city lights. In most urban areas, light pollution will block your view.3. What time is best for meteor watching?After midnight is usually the best time, that’s when the most meteors are visible.
