UAE's Night Sky Shines with Celestial Wonders

The Buck Moon and the Milky Way Illuminate UAE's Night

On July 10, a special spectacle awaits sky enthusiasts in the United Arab Emirates: the Buck Moon, the first full moon of the summer season, will be observable. This event provides not only an aesthetic experience but also an opportunity to better connect with the rhythm of the seasons and the cyclical nature of the environment — as Native American cultures have done for centuries.

What is the Buck Moon?

The Buck Moon appears annually in July and is named because deer antlers begin to regrow during this period. While the name isn't scientific, it is popular worldwide, as it helps bring astronomy closer to the general public.

Residents of the UAE can observe the moon from 7:10 PM on July 10, when it is low in the sky, near the eastern horizon. During this time, the moon may appear optically larger and golden in color — a phenomenon due to our perspective and the Earth's atmosphere.

Summer Meteor Shower: The Perseids Are Coming

Although summer generally sees fewer celestial events, August promises a spectacular meteor shower. The Perseid meteor shower is one of the year's biggest, dazzling observers with 150-200 meteors per hour.

Among the most spectacular are the so-called fireballs, which shine even brighter than Venus. These form from larger debris and may be accompanied by sound effects or explosions.

To observe them, it’s advisable to choose a dark, moonless period, as strong moonlight can obscure meteors with lesser brightness.

The Most Beautiful Face of the Milky Way — in Summer

Summer is also the best time to spot the center of the Milky Way with the naked eye. The denser and brighter parts of our galaxy can be best observed from the desert area of Al Qua’a, near Abu Dhabi, far from city light pollution.

It is easiest to spot the Scorpio constellation in the sky — the Milky Way stretches right beside it. A mobile application can help in orientation.

Important Advice for Observation

If planning to observe celestial events in the desert or remote areas, always ensure safety:

Always have enough water and food.

It is advisable to go in a group.

Make sure someone knows your whereabouts.

Bring a flashlight, map, power bank, and a fully charged mobile phone.

Summary

The July Buck Moon and the subsequent summer celestial events — the Perseid meteor shower and the clear appearance of the Milky Way — offer a rare opportunity to break free from everyday hustle and reconnect with nature and the universe. The UAE provides an ideal location for these observations — just a little attention and proper preparation are needed.

(Source: Dubai Astronomy Group press release.)