Geminids meteor shower lights up UAE skies

About 500 people gathered in Dubai desert to watch the celestial event

About 500 people gathered at the Al Qudra desert to observe the Geminids meteor shower. The event on December 14, 2023, was held by the Dubai Astronomy Group. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National

Members of the public observe the skies to spot the Geminids meteor shower in Dubai's Al Qudra desert.

Apart from slight cloudy conditions, the clear weather helped to see the bright meteors shootings across the skies at speeds of 125,528 kph - 40 times faster than a speeding bullet.

The Dubai Astronomy Group also provided eight telescopes to help the public spot Jupiter and the Orion Nebula.

The Geminids are unique with the Dubai Astronomy Group stating that they come from 3200 Phaethon, which experts are divided on as to whether it is an asteroid or comet.

The most visible meteor shower of the year lit up the UAE skies on Thursday evening, with about 120 meteors shooting across the night sky every hour.

About 500 people gathered in Al Qudra desert to witness the stellar Geminids meteor shower at a viewing event held by the Dubai Astronomy Group.

Despite cloudy conditions being forecast, clear weather helped stargazers see the bright meteors moving at speeds of 125,528kph.

Dubai resident Anwar Riyaz brought his two young daughters to observe the celestial event.

"It's a really nice experience. We've seen at least 15 meteors so far. My daughters are really enjoying it," he said.

Abdul Rahman also brought his young children to the gathering. He said he tried to watch the Geminids every year because they "never disappoint".

"It is a nice experience for the children. They try to keep count of how many meteors they spotted," he said.

The meteor shower was visible all over the world, with many YouTube channels live-streaming the event.

Sheeraz Awan, general manager of the Dubai Astronomy Group, said he was excited by the growing public interest in celestial events.

"The Geminids meteor shower is something that is very close to our hearts and the reason is that it comes at a very apt time – the schools have just closed, everybody is a little bit more relaxed, the weather is fabulous and the desert nights give you very beautiful, clear skies," he said.

The showers will take place until December 24, but they were at their peak on December 13 and 14.

Quadrantids are the next meteor showers, which are expected to peak on January 3 and 4.