Dubai astronomers organise unique celestial phenomenon viewing event

One of the most spectacular and colourful annual celestial phenomena can be observed in the UAE this week. The Geminid meteor shower will last until 24 December, but is expected to peak on either Wednesday or Thursday.

The Dubai Astronomy Group will hold a meteor watching event on 14 December in the Al Qudra Desert from 10pm to 2am. During this time, it will be possible to observe the sky with a telescope and camera, as well as participate in a fun workshop. Tickets range in price from AED 100 to AED 160. You can register on the Dubai Astronomy Group’s website.

During this celestial phenomenon, around 120 meteors will be visible, travelling across the sky at a speed of 125,528 km/h. The weather conditions in the Emirates are expected to be favourable these days, which means that astronomy enthusiasts will have a chance to see the dazzling spectacle.

As previously reported, the Geminids are a unique celestial phenomenon and are associated with the asteroid Phaethon, and interestingly, the asteroid behaves more like a comet, becoming brighter and creating a “tail” of debris as it approaches the Sun.

“Some astronomers consider it an extinct comet,” the US space agency said in a statement, “Others argue that it must be an asteroid because of its orbit and similarity to the main belt asteroid Pallas.

This astronomical phenomenon was first mentioned in the 1800s, when only 10 to 20 meteors were seen. Now, according to Nasa, it is one of the brightest and fastest meteor streams visible from Earth.

The speed of Geminid meteors is very high, 40 times faster than the speed of a bullet, but there is very little chance of the meteors reaching the ground – most Geminids burn up at an altitude of 45 to 55 miles (72 to 88 kilometres).

The meteor stream is also expected to be broadcast on many YouTube channels dedicated to celestial phenomena.

Source: The National

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