The UAE is set to witness a celestial spectacle as the first meteor shower of 2024, the Quadrantids, peaks on January 4. This astronomical event comes just days after the New Year’s fireworks display, promising a sky full of shooting stars and fireballs.
Named after the now obsolete constellation Quadrans Muralis, the Quadrantids meteor shower is an annual event celebrated for its short but intense bursts of activity. According to the Dubai Astronomy Group (DAG), this shower originates from the asteroid 2003 EH1 and is expected to produce over 60 meteors per hour at its peak, offering a breathtaking view of the night sky.
NASA regards the Quadrantids as one of the best annual meteor showers, famous for their bright fireball meteors. These fireballs, which are larger and more vibrant than average meteors, create prolonged explosions of light and color in the sky.
For those eager to witness this natural light show, no special equipment is required. Stargazers are advised to find a dark spot away from city lights, such as a desert location, lay back, and gaze upwards. It takes about 30 minutes for the human eye to fully adapt to the darkness for optimal viewing.
The DAG highlights that the peak of the Quadrantids offers a limited window of opportunity and requires precise timing. To accommodate enthusiasts, they are organizing a viewing event in Dubai’s Al Qudra Desert from 11 pm to 4 am, with tickets priced between Dh80-140.
This is not the first time UAE residents have ventured into the desert for stargazing. During the Geminids meteor shower in December last year, events by the Mleiha Archaeological Centre and DAG attracted hundreds of spectators, who enjoyed the sight of space rocks burning up in the atmosphere, creating stunning luminous trails.