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How to watch Perseids in UAE today: Shooting stars and fireballs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah skies

Witness a dazzling cosmic spectacle as Perseid meteor shower graces UAE skies this week



In 2023, the Perseids will peak on the night between 12–13 Aug in the UAE
Image Credit: Shutterstock

Get ready for a celestial spectacle as the annual Perseid meteor shower dazzles the skies of Dubai and Abu Dhabi this week.

The breathtaking event promises to bring up to 100 meteors per hour shooting across the heavens, leaving a trail of bright light and colour in the night skies on Saturday, August 12.

The Perseids, named after the constellation Perseus from which they appear to emanate, are caused by Earth passing through the debris left behind by Comet Swift-Tuttle.

And this year is shaping up to be a particularly impressive display, with the shower peaking on August 12 and the morning of August 13.

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If you are eager to witness the cosmic spectacle of the year, this is your chance

Nature’s dazzling light show

Allow your eyes to adjust for about 30 minutes, and then sit back, relax, and enjoy nature’s dazzling light show.

However, if you prefer a guided tour or are not confident in spotting the meteors on your own, fret not! The Dubai Astronomy Group has got you covered. They will be hosting a special event on August 12 at the Al Awir desert, starting at 10pm.

The Perseids are a prolific meteor shower associated with the comet Swift–Tuttle
Image Credit: Suppled

This exclusive gathering will feature telescope observations of Jupiter, Saturn, and other deep-sky objects, as well as fascinating astrophotography sessions and sky mapping. Of course, the highlight of the night will be observing the brilliant Perseids in all their glory.

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Abu Dhabi and Sharjah residents too can make the most of this extraordinary display.

Fast, fiery and fierce
The Perseids zoom through Earth’s atmosphere at an astonishing speed of 214,365kph. These tiny, scorching fragments reach temperatures exceeding 1,650°C as they traverse the atmosphere, causing the air in front of them to compress and heat up. The majority of these fiery fragments become visible when they are approximately 100 kilometres from the ground

What makes this year’s Perseid meteor shower special is the celestial alignment of heavenly bodies. The event coincides with a new moon, meaning the sky will be particularly dark and perfect for viewing. Stargazers can expect an unforgettable night filled with shooting stars illuminating the vast expanse above.

Where to watch

The Perseids are famous for their fireballs — larger explosions of light and bright colour that persist longer than the average meteor streak. These fireballs are a result of larger particles of cometary material that burn up spectacularly as they enter Earth’s atmosphere.

Best location
For the best viewing experience, make your way to the Al Awir desert, Dubai where the darkness will enhance your chances of spotting these shooting stars. Dubai observers will have the opportunity to witness the meteor shower in its full splendor from 8:55pm to 05:25am. Stargazers in Sharjah can witness the captivating celestial event around Sharjah's Mleiha Archaeological Centre. The desert in Al Wathba South in Abu Dhabi is a great spot to watch the spectacle.
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How do these meteor showers come to life?

Well, they are the remnants of Comet Swift-Tuttle, discovered back in 1862. As Earth passes through the debris left by the comet, a mesmerising display of shooting stars is born.

These meteors leave trails of brilliant light and colour as they streak across the atmosphere, and some may even create awe-inspiring fireballs, larger explosions of dazzling light that can persist longer than your average meteor streak.

Glory at night

Nasa explains that the radiant of the Perseids lies within the Perseus constellation. While locating Perseus may be somewhat difficult for newbies, it conveniently follows the brighter and easily recognisable constellation, Cassiopeia, as it traverses the night sky.

It is worth noting that while the meteor shower takes its name from the constellation it appears to radiate from, the constellation itself is not the actual source of the meteors.

Difference between an asteroid, a comet, a meteor, and a meteorite
Asteroids, comets, meteors, and meteorites are celestial objects that share common origins but differ in their characteristics and stages of development. Asteroids are rocky or metallic objects found mainly in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. Comets, on the other hand, are icy bodies that originate in the outer regions of the solar system and develop long tails when they approach the Sun due to sublimating gases. When a comet or an asteroid enters Earth's atmosphere, it becomes a meteor—a bright streak of light due to the friction of the object with the air. If the object survives the journey and lands on Earth's surface, it is called a meteorite.
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