Sun, Dec 22, 2024 | 20 Jumada Al-Akhirah 1446
Sun, Dec 22, 2024 | 20 Jumada Al-Akhirah 1446
The Geminids meteor shower, characterized by 100 flashing meteors every hour, is expected to peak on Thursday, December 14. The spectacle is expected to appear even brighter due to the absence of the Moon, making it an ideal opportunity to witness the stunning shooting stars over the United Arab Emirates.
The Dubai Astronomy Group highlights the Geminids as a breathtaking meteor shower, featuring 120 meteors per hour, active from November 19 to December 24 and showcasing a dazzling celestial dance.
NASA claims that the Geminid meteor shower is among its greatest yearly events. To see it, find a quiet desert, lie down, and wear warm clothing. Your eyes will get used to it after half an hour.
NASA reports these meteors, extreme-speed meteors with yellowish colors can travel up to 127,000 km/h.
UAE groups will conduct stargazing sessions at Sharjah's Mleiha Archaeological Centre on December 14 from 6 pm to 1 am. The location offers a breathtaking view of the Al Faya mountain range and fossil rocks. Adult admission tickets start at Dh 275.
Likewise, On December 14, Dubai Astronomy Group will host a viewing event near Al Qudra desert, allowing guests to use telescopes to study the night sky and spot celestial bodies. Tickets for adults to this event start at Dh 160.
The Dubai Astronomy Group said, "Unlike most other meteor showers, the Geminids are not associated with a comet but with an asteroid: the 3200 Phaethon," while explaining the science behind these sky events.
The first recorded meteor showers took place in the mid-1800s and are now a notable yearly event because of satellites striking Earth's atmosphere and leaving behind dazzling flashes.
