Geminids meteor shower expected to be visible for UAE stargazers

DUBAI// A dazzling meteor shower is expected to be visible later this evening although weather forecasters say cloudy weather may impede viewing.

The Geminids meteor shower is the last and usually the most spectacular of the year with up to 120 meteors streaking across the night sky each hour.

However patchy cloud cover may make it difficult to get a clear view.

"We are expecting it to be partly cloudy in the evening over Dubai, Sharjah and the central areas," said a spokesman for the National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology in Abu Dhabi.

"The cloudy conditions will continue for most of the night and will increase in the north of the country by tomorrow."

Temperatures are likely to drop to around 18C this evening and there is also a potential chance of drizzle in northern areas of the country on Friday, he said.

Dubai Astronomy Club is inviting people to attend a special viewing at their observation camp at Al Zubair just outside Sharjah.

The event begins at 8pm although the meteor shower is not expected to really get going until after midnight with the peak hours being between 1am and 3am.

The good news is that you do not need a telescope to see he event as it can be seen with the naked eye.

Residents in cities will be also able to view the show although light from tall buildings may make it a little more difficult to pick out the shooting stars in the night sky.

For more information visit www.dubaiastronomy.com