Stargazers are getting ready to enjoy the spectacular Perseid Meteor Shower. Hundreds of meteors will streak across the sky in a beautiful natural firework show, visible around the world. Dubai residents will be able to see the shower between 11 – 13 August.
The Perseids are actually tiny pieces of the Swift-Tuttle comet that can be seen every year when the Earth passes through a cloud of the comet's debris. They're bits of ice and dust, which can be as small as a grain of sand or as big as a pea. They hit the Earth's atmosphere at a whopping speed of 134,000 mph, but don't pose any danger to us on Earth.
Unlike some other cosmic events, spectators don't need special technology to watch the Perseids unfold. It's best to find a wide open space away from tall buildings and with as little light as possible. The more of the sky you can see, the better.
You can join Dubai Astronomy Group as they observe the meteor shower this Friday at Al Thuraya Astronomy Centre in Mushrif park and Saturday at an undisclosed venue. You’ll need to attend the Friday event to register for the Saturday trip. Fridays event is FREE but Saturday will cost Dhs 100 per person.
