Skywatchers across the UAE are in for a spectacular celestial display as the annual Leonid meteor shower prepares to illuminate the night sky this November. According to the Emirates Astronomical Society, the meteor shower will peak between November 17 and 18. Hence, it will offer residents one of the clearest viewing opportunities in recent years.
What Makes the Leonid Meteor Shower Special?
It is one of the most famous annual astronomical events in the world. However, it happens when Earth passes through the debris trail of Comet Tempel–Tuttle. Moreover, they burn up and create bright and fast-moving meteors when these remnants hit the atmosphere of the Earth. However, it sometimes leaves behind long glowing trails.
The UAE residents can expect to witness 10 to 20 meteors per hour under ideal dark-sky conditions. Hence, it makes it a perfect opportunity for families, astronomy enthusiasts, photographers, and nighttime explorers.
Expert Confirms Ideal Viewing Conditions for UAE This Year
Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomical Society and member of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Science, told WAM that this year’s visibility will be exceptionally favourable.
During the peak of the meteor showers, the moon will be waning crescent. Hence, it ensures minimal natural light interference. So, this allows the meteors to appear brighter and more visible across the UAE sky.
Al Jarwan also noted that the Leonid Meteor Shower is not only popular for its beauty, but also for its unpredictability. The meteor shower could be identified when Comet Tempel–Tuttle returns in its orbit in roughly every 33 years. Hence, it produces hundreds or even thousands of meteors per hour.
The next return of the comet is expected in 2031. However, astronomers predict enhanced Leonid activity between 2031 and 2033, similar to the powerful storms witnessed in 1999, 2001, and 2002.
Best Time and Direction to Watch the Meteor Shower in the UAE
Al Jarwan suggests watching the sky after midnight until dawn for optimal viewing. Moreover, the constellation Leo will rise in the eastern Sky shortly after midnight. However, it is an area from which the meteors appear to originate. Below is the best viewing window for the UAE meteor showers in the UAE:
- Time: Between 2 AM and dawn
- Direction: Look toward the eastern horizon, near the constellation Leo
- Dates: Night of November 17 – Dawn of November 18
It is important to note that meteors might appear anywhere in the sky. So, if you are a sky watcher, you are encouraged to keep your gaze wide and avoid focusing on one spot.
Where to Watch the Leonid Meteor Shower in the UAE?
Experts strongly recommend leaving brightly lit urban areas to enjoy the meteor showers in their full glory. Light pollution could significantly reduce visibility, especially for faint meteors. Below are the top locations to watch the UAE Leonid Meteor Shower:
- Desert areas away from the city
- Open fields with unobstructed sky views
- Mountain regions with minimal artificial light
Al Marjan has also advised watching skies during calm, clear weather and avoiding nights with heavy moonlight, specifically the first and last three days of the lunar month.
A Memorable Night for Astronomy Lovers in the UAE
The Leonid Meteor Shower promises a memorable celestial experience for residents across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to favourable lunar conditions and a historically active meteor shower. Moreover, this natural spectacle gives a rare chance to witness the beauty of the universe right about us to those who are planning a late-night desert trip, a family outing, or a photography session.
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