- The Perseids meteor shower peaks on the night of August 12-13, bringing up to 100 meteors an hour across the desert sky, according to the Dubai Astronomy Group.
- This year's display coincides with a new moon, which will enhance visibility by reducing moonlight interference.
- The Perseids meteor shower occurs annually as Earth passes through dust left by Comet Swift-Tuttle, which orbits the sun every 133 years.
- The Dubai Astronomy Group will host an observation event at Al Khatim Desert in Abu Dhabi from 11pm on August 12 to 3am on August 13.
- The Perseids are active from mid-July to late August, with the real action occurring on the peak nights.
- Comet 10P/Tempel 2 will reach its closest point to the sun on August 2, adding to the celestial spectacle.
- The Perseids meteor shower is considered one of the strongest showers in the region, with as many as 100 long, colourful streaks shooting through the sky every hour.
The Perseid meteor shower peaks on August 12-13, with up to 100 meteors per hour visible in the UAE, coinciding with a new moon for optimal viewing conditions. This year’s event is particularly special, as it marks the best moon conditions since 2018.12
The shower, active from mid-July to late August, will be most visible after midnight until dawn, when the shower's radiant climbs higher in the sky. The meteors originate from Comet Swift-Tuttle, which leaves behind a trail of dust and ice that Earth passes through annually.35
“Every year, the Perseids remind us that astronomy is not only about distant planets and galaxies, but also about experiencing the universe directly above us,” said Hasan Ahmad Al Hariri, CEO of Dubai Astronomy Group. He emphasized that this year’s celestial events, including a visible planetary lineup with Saturn and Mars, create a memorable night for astronomy enthusiasts.4
The Dubai Astronomy Group will host an observation event at Al Khatim Desert from 11pm to 3am on August 12-13, featuring guided stargazing, telescope viewing, and storytelling. Tickets range from Dh150 to Dh180.
“The annual Perseids Meteor Shower, a moonless New Moon sky, a visible planetary lineup, and the appearance of Comet 10P/Tempel 2 will create a unique opportunity for skywatchers,” Al Hariri added. Stargazers are encouraged to find dark skies away from city lights for the best experience.67
“The peak coincides with a new moon, making it the darkest Perseids night since 2018, with Saturn visible for much of the window and Mars rising before dawn. Dubai Astronomy Group's Al Khatim Desert event runs 11pm to 3am, with tickets from Dh150 and a peak expected around 1:30am.”
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