Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

Residents across the UAE will have the rare chance to witness the final supermoon of 2024 on November 16, creating a spectacular celestial display alongside the annual Leonids meteor shower. The event promises to be a memorable night for sky enthusiasts, with bright meteors illuminating the sky, thanks to the Leonids’ reputation for fast-moving, luminous streaks and occasional fireballs. According to Dubai Astronomy Group, the meteor shower will be most visible in the hours after midnight and before dawn. While no special equipment is required to view the spectacle, the group advises seeking a dark, open area away from city lights to experience the best viewing conditions. For enthusiasts looking for a more immersive experience, Dubai Astronomy Group will host a viewing event at Al Qudra Desert, where space fans can gather to observe the event under expert guidance. However, the supermoon’s brightness may pose a slight challenge, as it could diminish the visibility of the fainter meteors. The Leonids meteor shower occurs annually when Earth passes through the debris trail left by Comet Tempel-Tuttle. This comet, which orbits the sun every 33 years, was first discovered in the 1860s. The meteors created as Earth collides with these comet fragments create the brilliant, colorful streaks known as the Leonids. Dubai Astronomy Group shared that Leonids are known for producing “extra bright meteors or fireballs,” which add an extra level of excitement to the viewing experience. ICA/Expat Media
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