Get ready to make a wish, because the Orionid meteor shower hits its yearly peak tonight, and you could spot up to 20 meteors an hour! These glowing bits of Halley’s Comet will be streaking across our autumn sky from Wednesday, October 21, as it peaks but will stay around until Saturday, November 7. That’s when Earth drives through a thick trail of dust and debris the famous comet left behind. And this time around you can expect to see 10 to 20 visible meteors an hour in ideal conditions. I have all the details you need to know of the best time and spots to catch the celestial show, so keep reading to find out more.
When & Where To Look
In Dubai, the Moon sets at around 2:26am on Thursday, October 22. That makes the hours right after it a great window for Orionid Meteor Shower watching, as long as the skies stay clear.
The meteors will seem to spread out from a spot near the constellation Orion, which rises in the south-eastern sky in the early hours of Thursday. But here’s the fun part: shooting stars can pop up anywhere in the sky, not just near Orion. So pick a spot with a wide, open view. You’ll have to give your eyes time to adjust to the dark. Some adjustment starts after five to 10 minutes, but it usually takes 20 to 30 minutes for your night vision to get much better. So be patient!
Where To Watch The Show
1. Al Quaa Milky Way Spot – Abu Dhabi
This one has earned its nickname. Al Quaa is officially the darkest spot in the entire UAE, which makes it basically the gold standard for stargazing in this country. You’ll need a 4×4 to get out there since it’s deep in the desert, but the payoff is a sky that genuinely takes your breath away. Plug these coordinates into Google Maps and you’re good to go: 23.604633, 54.750256.
2. Shuweihat Island – Abu Dhabi
Yes, it’s about a four-hour drive from Dubai, but if you’re up for making a proper night of it, Shuweihat Island delivers. By day it’s all salt flats and quiet coastal scenery; by night, the stars absolutely come out to play. Pack a 4×4, bring your snacks and blankets, and enjoy one of the most peaceful stargazing settings in the country, right by the water.
3. Al Qudra – Dubai
If you want something closer to home, Al Qudra is one of Dubai’s most reliable spots for a night under the stars. The trick is to push past the lakes and cycling tracks to get further away from the city glow. You can absolutely stargaze with the naked eye, but if you’ve got a telescope or even a decent pair of binoculars, now’s the time to dust them off.
4. Wadi Shawka – Ras Al Khaimah
Less than an hour from Dubai, Wadi Shawka is a mountain escape that’s perfect if you want to pair your meteor shower with a bit of adventure. Get there early to claim a good spot, set up camp, and settle in for a night of crisp mountain air and a sky full of shooting stars. It’s the kind of night that makes you wonder why you don’t do this more often.
5. Al Sadeem Astronomy Centre – Abu Dhabi
If you’d rather have someone else do the star-pointing for you, Al Sadeem Astronomy Centre in Al Wathbah is the one. They run guided night tours with smart telescopes. So you actually know what you’re looking at. It’s perfect for first-timers or anyone who wants a more structured experience. Head to their website for details on bookings and timings.
Extra Pro Tips: The Best Way To Travel Into The Desert
Before you head out, here are a few essentials to make your stargazing adventure safe and enjoyable:
- Go with a group and take two vehicles, just in case
- Let someone know your route before you out
- Bring water, snacks, and basic supplies
- Check your fuel, tires, and flashlight batteries
- Use red flashlights to protect your night vision
- Avoid loud music and bright lights (being respectful of others around you is cool, don’t forget)
Dos & Don’ts Of UAE’s Darkets Spots
Besides the very obvious “Do Not Litter,” here are some handy tips to keep in mind:
- Safety First: Avoid full Moon nights. Don’t go off-roading alone or in cars that cannot handle desert sand. Be visible to other campers around you so that you are not put in harm’s way by their cars or 4X4. And keep in mind that this is a desert, so that means there are no bathrooms nearby. If you are setting up a campfire, please be knowledgeable on basic fire safety and barbecue set up rules and equipment.
- Flashlights and Floodlights: Carry them for nighttime activities and to light your walking paths. But please do not use these lights to disturb other campers in the vicinity.
- Choose a Serene Spot: Try to get as far away from the main road as possible. To avoid noise and car headlights ruining your natural ambitions.
- Pack Light and Responsibly: Dispose of all of your trash properly, please!
- Essentials: Water, food, warm clothes, and a blanket. And anything else cosy you can think of to make this a comfortable stargazing experience for you.
- Early Arrivals: Set up early, be mindful of others, and switch off car lights.
See You Under The Stars
This is one of those experiences that reminds you how incredible it is to actually be on a planet. Save the date, pack the car, and get ready. The Orionid Meteor Shower is coming, and this time, you know exactly where to be.
