UAE’s First Meteor Shower Of 2023 Happening on January 3

Are you a star gazer, too? Well, here is the news for you then!

The first major meteor shower of the year, which will be clearly visible to the naked eye, will be happening on January 3, 2023.

The Dubai Astronomy Group says that the Quadrantids Meteor Shower – the first major shower of the year – is also going to be one of the most intense meteor showers to view. It is among the most spectacular showers and will be visible in the UAE on January 3.

Just recently the UAE Skies Were Illuminated With 100 Shooting Stars Per Hour On Dec 14th & 15th. UAE residents were astonished by the sheer beauty of the sky, and we can’t wait to see the Quadrantids shower next.

The Quadrantids Meteor Shower is identified by a sharp peak lasting a few hours, during which time meteors appear to radiate from the constellation Boötes, near the Big Dipper. In 2004, astronomer Peter Jenniskens determined that the Quadrantids meteors are likely the remnants of an object called 2003 EH1. However, it is uncertain whether this object is the core of a dead comet or a “rock comet,” which is an asteroid that crumbles and turns to dust as it approaches the Sun.

People wanting to watch the meteor must visit this celestial event from a dark location with an unobstructed sky view. Since it will be clearly visible to the naked eye, there is no need to use special equipment.

 “This will be visible from anywhere in the UAE; all you need is a dark location and you should be able to see it. We have been a tad bit unlucky with the meteor showers over the last few months because one of the biggest light pollutants of the night sky is the moon, and on that day, the moon will be rising later in the night,” Sheeraz Ahmad Awan, General Manager of Dubai Astronomy Group said.

The Dubai Astronomy Group will be organising a trip to Al Qudra on January 3rd 11 pm to 4 am for sky gazers wishing to enjoy the meteor shower. They will provide telescopes for participants to observe celestial objects including the moon, Mars, and Saturn during the event.

If you do plan to go to Al Qudra, make sure you wear something warm, as it can get quite cold at night.