Comet 21P: Watch celestial party over UAE

Dubai: Stargazers in the UAE are in for a treat as a comet is expected to whizz pass the skies, and paint it green.

Comet Giacobini-Zinner, or also known as Comet 21P, will be best visible through binoculars or a telescope.  

Hassan Al Hariri, chief executive officer of Dubai Astronomy Group, said that a “comet party” will be held from Thursday night into the early hours of Friday morning.

Comet 21P goes around the sun every 6.6 years, and its trail of dust and debris is the source of the annual October Draconid meteor shower.  

“In the month of October, we anticipate to see the comet before the sunrise. This will be after 3am," said Al Hariri.

The comet will be difficult to spot with the naked eye, although with the help of binoculars or a telescope, stargazers will be able to see “a fuzzy ball” and will only be able to see the green light in very dark conditions.

The Dubai Astronomy Group is organising a stargazing party from 9pm - 2am in Al Qudra desert on October 4-5 as part of the week-long celebration of World Space Week.

Skywatchers are advised to pack enough water and have a first aid kit on hand, and should always remain in the group and not wander off alone in the desert. 

Tickets cost Dh150 for adults and Dh70 for children below 13 years.

Visit q-tickets.com for further details.