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29 March 2024

Missed Perseid meteor shower? UAE residents can still make a weekend of it

Published
By Bindu Rai

A large group of enthusiast stargazers descended onto Al Zubair camp in Sharjah on Tuesday night, where the Dubai Astronomy Group was hosting a public viewing of the highly anticipated Perseid meteor shower, which reached its peak on August 12.

However, those who were unable to witness the phenomenon live can catch the replay of the online feed by NASA and Slooh or better yet, still have the chance to venture out into the UAE wilderness to catch the dazzling display live.

Speaking to Emirates 24|7, Hasan Ahmad Al Harriri, CEO of Dubai Astronomy Group, said: “The Perseid phenomenon is not limited to one night alone. Yes, it peaked on August 12, but it will continue all month. So enthusiasts still have a chance to head out into the desert and catch the live spectacle this weekend.”

Al Harriri, however, admitted that the moon and the humidity did play a damper on the Tuesday night star gazing event, with the group only able to witness 4-5 meteor showers from the average 100 or so per hour that Perseid historically serves up.

“The light of the moon did play spoilsport and the humidity did not help, but were still able to spot a handful streaking across the sky,” admitted Al Harriri.

He continued: “If people are ready to brave the heat and humidity, then the chances of seeing the meteor shower this weekend is still relatively high. My advice would be to move away from any area where there is light pollution, preferably at a higher altitude.

“The best way to watch it is by simply lying down flat on your back and starting up at the stars.”

Al Harriri suggested the desert landscape near Margham Road, between Al Ain and Hatta Roads was an idyllic spot to park cars safely to the side and venture out to catch the meteor shower in its glory.

He added: “I also wouldn’t stress if people have missed out on the Perseid, because October will witness the Orionids meteor shower, followed by Leonids in November and Geminid at the end of the year. There will be plenty of stargazing ahead.”

The Perseid meteor shower, one of the brighter meteor showers of the year, occurs every August, peaking around August 9-13.

It comprises tiny space debris from the comet Swift-Tuttle, named after the constellation Perseus.