Stargazers, assemble: Dubai astronomy group planning a special event for ‘comet of the century’

Dubai’s night sky gazers will be in for a special treat as an extremely beautiful astronomical event is set to occur. The Dubai Astronomy Group has called for a viewing event in the sky of comet C/2023 A3, known as the ‘comet of the century,’ with the closest distance to be observed in thousands of years this month.

A Unique ‘Comet of the Century’ Spectacle of a Lifetime

This comet is also called Tsuchinshan-ATLAS and its existence is causing interest in the astronomical field due to the given peculiarities. Being one of the original inhabitants of the solar system, this is laden with frozen gases, rocks, and dust, untouched for thousands of years. NASA says it should be one of the brighter comets of recent years, visible to the naked eye and when it brightens around the sun it may have a streamer-like tail. When the comet was discovered, there were worries about its stability and, indeed, it appeared that the comet was fading but the latest observations from the southern hemisphere suggest that the comet is in very good condition, giving astronomers a good chance to give us a sight to behold.

According to the Dubai Astronomy Group’s operations manager Khadijah Ahmad, the focus should be on the educational nature of this event. According to Ahmad’s explanation, “Comets are rare or move by at times, but not frequently. Comet G1: We do not know a lot about this comet and the more it approaches the more to be discovered. The group has identified the Al Qudra Desert as the most suitable venue for their viewing event on October 19 when the comet will be visible over the UAE at its best.

Prime Viewing Locations Across the Emirates for ‘Comet of the Century’

For those interested in observing this celestial show, position is of the essence. NASA recommends staying away from light-polluted areas especially cities during a launch. The Al Sadeem Astronomy Centre in the Al Wathbah district of Abu Dhabi provides and guides visitors through stargazing and provides professional telescopes for the purpose. Officially launched in 2016, this modern observatory offers not only classical but also conceptual telescopes; thus, the guests will not lose a single detail of the sky performance. The presented activities take place on certain dates important in the space calendar, so it attracts both experienced observers and those who decide to get acquainted with astronomy.

However, for those who want to go a little further, the Al Qaeda Milky Way Spot in the desert about 90 minutes away from Abu Dhabi offers a fascinating dark sky phenomenon. Since the cave is situated off a dirt track accessible only by 4-wheel drive, the viewing conditions are as clean as can be without interference from artificial lights. Likewise, Shuweihat Island if a bit further afield offers, not only exceptional stargazing conditions but also scenically beautiful views of the island. Those looking for a closer site may think of Hatta where the Hajar Mountains offer a perfect backdrop for stargazing although there is some light pollution from emerging artificial constructions.