It’s almost that special time to make a wish upon a star because The Orionids meteor shower is making a big return soon! These glowing rocks are all set to swoosh through and light up UAE skies TONIGHT, with the peak happening today and Thursday, October 23. The Orionids meteor shower is one of the most stunning and reliable celestial events of the year. So, come with me and I’ll share all the best places to go stargazing across this UAE.
Also read: Taking A Road Trip This Summer? Don’t Miss Fujairah’s Piano Road That Plays Actual Music!
So, What’s All The Hype About?
Every year in October, the Orionids are created when that dust trail crosses Earth’s orbit around the Sun. As Halley’s comet passes through space, it leaves behind a trail of gas and dust, including the Orionids, one of two meteor showers.
Most of these little guys are no bigger than a grain of sand (sounds insane, I know), but they heat up to over 3,000°F as they zip through the sky and leave behind those glowing trails we spot from the ground. Which is usually about 97 kilometres above us. During a good year, you can see up to 10-20 meteors per hour!
Pro Tips For The Best Viewing Experience
Remember you won’t need any fancy equipment to see the meteors. If you’re in the right spot, all you’ll need is your naked eye. But if you’d like to catch more details or take pictures, here’s what helps:
- Use binoculars to see star clusters and nebulae
- Mount a camera with a wide lens on a tripod
- Try a smartphone with night mode on a stable surface
- Go on a moonless night or when the moon is just a thin crescent
And if you’re a astrology buff, you can even get a star map app on your phone to help you spot of a few constellations. Like the Scorpius constellation, which sits right beside the Milky Way in the southeast
Best Stargazing Spots in the UAE
Here are the top places around the UAE where you can catch the Orionids meteor shower on August 12:
1. Al Quaa Milky Way Spot (Abu Dhabi)
This place isn’t called the ‘Milky Way Spot’ for nothing. Al Quaa is officially the darkest area in the UAE, making it the perfect destination to witness the full glory of the night sky. You’ll need a 4×4 to get there, as it’s deep in the desert, but trust me — it’s worth the effort. Pop these coordinates into Google Maps (23.604633, 54.750256), and prepare to be amazed.
2. Shuweihat Island (Abu Dhabi)
If you’re up for an adventure, head to Shuweihat Island – a hidden gem about a 4-hour drive from Dubai. By day, it’s all about peaceful views of salt flats and coastal beauty, but by night, the stars come out to play. Bring a 4×4 for the drive, pack some snacks, and get ready for a peaceful night of stargazing by the water.
3. Al Qudra (Dubai)
Want something closer to home? Al Qudra is one of Dubai’s go-to spots for a night under the stars. The trick is to venture beyond the lakes and cycling tracks to escape the city lights. While you can stargaze with your naked eyes, having a telescope (you can grab one online) will take your experience to the next level. Think of it like having your own mini James Webb Telescope right here in the UAE!
4. Wadi Shawka (Ras Al Khaimah)
Love a bit of hiking before settling down under the stars? Wadi Shawka is your place. Just under an hour from Dubai, this mountain escape in Ras Al Khaimah is perfect for campers and adventurers. Get there early to claim the best spot, set up camp, and enjoy a night of crisp mountain air and star-filled skies.
5. Al Sadeem Astronomy Centre (Abu Dhabi)
If you’d prefer a guided experience with expert help, Al Sadeem Astronomy Centre in Al Wathbah, Abu Dhabi, is the way to go. They make stargazing fun and educational with special night tours using smart telescopes. It’s the best place to go if you want someone to point out exactly where to find that comet or distant planet you’ve always wanted to see. For more information, visit their website.
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:
- 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, 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.
- 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.
See You Under The Stars
There’s something so peaceful, almost magical, about lying on a blanket in the middle of nowhere, staring up at the sky and watching it come alive with shooting stars. No matter if you’re there to make a wish, take some pics, or just soak in the moment, the Orionids meteor shower is totally worth staying up for this summer
Save the date, charge your phone, pack your car, and get ready for a night you’ll never forget. The stars are gearing up to put on a show for us!
