How To Watch A Daytime Meteor Shower In The UAE
Bazaar Arabia spoke to an astronomer who shared the best spots in the country to see it and expert tips
Calling all stargazers in the UAE! There’s a dazzling celestial phenomenon expected to occur soon.
The Arietids meteor shower, which happens during the daylight hours, is expected to reach its peak on Friday, June 7.
Bazaar Arabia spoke to an expert from the Dubai Astronomy Group who shared details on when it will occur in the UAE and if residents will be able to catch a glimpse of it.
When Will The Arietids Meteor Shower Happen In The UAE?
“The Arietids meteor shower occurs annually from late May to early July, with its peak typically around June 7,” Khadijah Ahmad, Operations Manager and astronomer at Dubai Astronomy Group said.
How Can UAE Residents See It?
“The best time to catch a glimpse of it would be the early morning hours just before dawn,” she said.
As for the exact direction the event will occur, Khadijah suggests looking towards the eastern horizon where the constellation Aries rises.
Can You See A Daytime Shower?
“Daytime meteor showers are challenging to see due to the brightness of the sky. However, some big bright meteors, fireballs, for example, might still be visible,” she said.
Arietids Meteor Shower: What Are The Best Spots In The UAE to See It?
“Any a dark spot away from city lights for better visibility,” Khadijah suggests.
Dubai’s Al Qudra Desert, Al Quaa Desert in Abu Dhabi, and Jabel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah have great vantage points for observing celestial events.
For those driving to a location to observe the meteor shower, Khadijah suggests getting to your spot at least an hour before dawn. She also recommends bringing chairs or mats to lie down as you will have to look at the sky for a while in order to catch the phenomenon.
Do You Need Equipment To See It?
“The meteor is like a streak of light, if you blink it’s gone. Telescopes and binoculars have narrow views and are impractical for catching fast-moving meteors.
“Your eye has a much wider view of the sky, so it’s much better to see such fast meteors wherever they pop up in the sky,” the astronomer said.
And if you aren’t able to watch the Arietids this time, don’t fret as several spectacular celestial events are expected to occur later this year.
“Best meteor showers of the year are the Perseids meteor showers that happen around August 12 to 13 and the Geminids meteor shower is also expected on December 14,” Khadijah said.
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