How to See the Most Popular Meteor Shower This August
The Perseids meteor shower will reach its peak on the night of Tuesday, August 12th, into the early hours of Wednesday, August 13th, offering one of the year’s most anticipated celestial displays.
Each August, the Earth passes through debris left behind by the Swift-Tuttle comet, producing the annual Perseids meteor shower. This year, optimal viewing in the UAE will occur overnight on August 12th and into the early hours of August 13th. Under clear, dark skies, observers could see between 60 and 100 meteors per hour.
While the moon will be nearly full - 89% illuminated on the 12th and 80% on the 13th - obstructing some of the fainter streaks, the Perseids remain one of the most reliable and visible meteor showers of the year. The phenomenon is visible to the naked eye and requires no special equipment, although escaping city light pollution significantly improves visibility.
One of the key events this year will take place on Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah, where stargazers can attend expert-led workshops, guided viewing sessions and access telescopes for a closer look at the night sky.
Other recommended viewing locations include Al Quaa near Abu Dhabi, Dubai’s Al Qudra Desert, Shuweihat Island, and the Hatta mountains. Each spot offers varying degrees of accessibility and natural darkness, making them ideal for those looking to catch a glimpse of the meteor shower.
