Orionid meteor shower to light up UAE skies in spectacular pre-dawn display
Dubai Astronomy Group to host desert viewing event for stargazers
DUBAI – The UAE night sky is set to offer a dazzling celestial performance as the Orionid meteor shower reaches its peak before dawn on Tuesday, creating a rare opportunity for stargazers to witness one of the most striking astronomical events of the year.
With the moon setting ahead of dawn, the sky will remain dark and perfectly clear for optimal visibility.
According to Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomy Society, the meteor shower will be best visible in the early hours of Tuesday morning when the conditions will be most favourable for observation.
Orionid meteor shower
The Orionids originate from debris left by Halley’s Comet, a cosmic traveller that orbits the Sun every 76 years.
The Orionid meteor shower is known for its swift, bright meteors that streak across the night sky, often leaving long-lasting trails visible to the naked eye. Typically, the shower produces around 20 meteors per hour in areas far from urban light pollution.
Al Jarwan explained that the new crescent moon of Jumada Al Ula will be born at 4:30 pm on Monday, just two hours before sunset, making it invisible to the naked eye. Consequently, Thursday, October 23, will mark the first day of Jumada Al Ula – another astronomical detail complementing the night’s skywatching event.
Where to watch in Dubai?
For those in the UAE, the Dubai Astronomy Group has announced a public stargazing event at Al Qudra Desert, giving residents a chance to enjoy the spectacle under pristine desert skies.
The event will take place from 10:00 pm on Monday until 2:00 am on Tuesday, featuring an engaging line-up that includes a presentation on the Orionid meteor shower, a sky mapping session, constellation storytelling, and a Q&A segment. Telescopes will also be available for participants to observe celestial bodies and try phone photography through telescopes.
The organisers have encouraged astronomy enthusiasts and families alike to register early for what promises to be a magical night under the stars.
Where else to look?
Across the Arabian Peninsula, the Orionids will also light up the skies of Saudi Arabia and neighbouring regions during the same pre-dawn hours. Majid Abu Zahera, President of the Jeddah Astronomy Society, confirmed that the meteor shower will be visible from the southeastern horizon, particularly for early risers in dark-sky areas.