Gear up for a spectacular sighting. It may be the last meteor shower of the year, but it is most certainly not the least. Shooting stars will light up the skies in the UAE this December with the annual Geminids meteor shower.
Geminids meteor shower is known as one of the best and most reliable annual showers and will peak on Thursday, December 14 from 6pm to 1am.
According to Mleiha Archaeological Centre, the Geminids meteor shower is one of the most stunning astronomical events of the year and has the potential to dazzle observers with up to 120 meteors per hour. This year, due to the absence of the moon, it’s set to be even more spectacular.
“The Geminids are considered to be one of the most spectacular meteor showers of the year, with the possibility of sighting around 120 meteors per hour at its peak,” the Dubai Astronomy Group said.
Described as “one of the best and most reliable annual meteor showers” by Nasa, stargazers don’t need special equipment or skills to view the Geminids. Just find a viewing spot away from the city and streetlights — a desert, for instance — lie flat on your back and look up. According to Nasa, “after about 30 minutes in the dark, your eyes will adapt, and you will begin to see meteors”. It will be cold in the desert, so wear warm clothes.
The Geminids are bright and fast meteors reaching speeds of up to 127,000kmph. They “tend to be yellow in colour”, Nasa said.
How to watch:
The Dubai Astronomy Group’s viewing event on December 14 is at Al Qudra desert, where stargazers will not just see the shooting stars but also “learn more about our night sky, observe different planets and objects through our telescopes”. Ticket rates start from Dh160 for adults.
Mleiha Archaeological Centre will also host a viewing event for stargazers deep in the desert at Mleiha Campsite in Sharjah. The event will take place from 6pm to 1am on Thursday December 14.
Tickets:
Tickets are priced at Dhs275 for adults and Dhs200 for children inclusive of sky-watching and learning activities, quizzes, guided observation, followed by dinner.
For those who want to spend a night under the stars, there are overnight options available which include a cosy camping experience followed by breakfast the next morning from Dhs600 per person.
