SAASST hosts Geminids meteor shower watch

The initiative was organised in partnership with the Environment and Protected Areas Authority as part of the Academy’s community programmes focused on promoting astronomical culture and increasing public awareness of space and astronomy through an engaging, hands-on scientific experience.

Ideal location and rich scientific programme

The event took place at Buhais Geological Park, a site renowned for its naturally dark environment and distance from light pollution, making it an ideal location for observing celestial phenomena. The programme began with an introductory scientific session explaining the Geminids meteor shower, the best viewing times, safety guidelines, and the use of modern observation tools. Participants were also introduced to sky maps and observed various celestial objects, including planets such as Jupiter and Saturn, as well as a selection of nebulae and other deep-sky objects.

One of the year’s most prominent meteor showers

The Geminids are one of the most abundant annual meteor showers, reaching rates of 60 to 120 meteors per hour in dark skies. Originating from asteroid 3200 Phaethon, the shower occurs from 4 to 17 December, with the peak on the night of 13–14 December, providing the best viewing in the UAE after midnight until dawn.