The Perseids meteor shower were visible in the UAE and around the world on Monday night, offering stargazers a spectacular celestial event during its August peak.
Up to 100 meteors per hour passed across the skies, entering the Earth’s atmosphere at such high speeds that they created bright, explosive flashes of light.
The showers have been active since mid-July, but peaked on Monday and Tuesday, when Earth passed through the densest part of the debris trail left by the comet Swift-Tuttle, resulting in the highest meteor activity.
The Dubai Astronomy Group held a viewing event for stargazers at Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah, the highest point in the Emirates.
"The event was a great success, attracting an enthusiastic crowd of 300 participants," said Khadijah Ahmad, operations manager of the group.
"The clear skies provided the perfect backdrop for a truly spectacular display of meteors, leaving everyone in awe."
During the event, the public also observed some of the night sky's most impressive celestial bodies, including Jupiter, Mars, Saturn and the Moon, as well as several deep-sky objects.
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Stargazers observe the Perseids meteor shower at a late-night gathering near Mleiha Archaeological Centre in Sharjah on August 12. All photos: Pawan Singh / The National -
UAE residents made a night of it in the hope of witnessing a spectacular cosmic display -
The summer meteor showers have been active since July but reached their peak this week -
The viewing party held in Sharjah -
The group dined under the stars in Sharjah
The Dubai Astronomy Group provided eight telescopes to stargazers for up-close and personal view of these wonders.
“The Perseids are one of the most spectacular annual meteor showers, known for their bright meteors and frequent fireballs,” said Ms Ahmad.
“The meteors originate from the comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle, which orbits the Sun approximately every 133 years.
“As Earth moves through the debris trail left by the comet, these particles and debris burn up in our atmosphere, creating bright streaks of light (meteors).”
No interference from the Moon
It was easy to spot the showers, as the Moon was first-quarter phase and 50 per cent illuminated, but set around midnight, when the showers were at their peak.
This means there was very little light interference from the Moon and those who observed away from city lights, saw a stunning show of meteors.
The next celestial event will follow only a few days later, when the first supermoon of the year will appear in the skies on August 19, set to be visible in the UAE and other parts of the world.
