Visiting Al Quaa Desert Tonight? Best Timings to See the Milky Way in Abu Dhabi This Weekend

The UAE is at its best during the Milky Way season, offering ample opportunities to see the galaxy’s brilliantly lit heart from the ground this weekend. Al Quaa Desert is the most popular dark skies place in the country, perfect for astronomy buffs, photographers and weekend adventurers who prefer to soak up some otherworldly sunlight.

Still on the hunt for the Milky Way when traveling late night trips into the Abu Dhabi desert, here’s everything you need to know to time your visit, to find the spot, and to stay safe.

Why Tonight Is Perfect for Stargazing?

The crescent phase of the moon is very small tonight and at under 3% illumination, offers outstanding viewing opportunities. The light is quite dim, as few natural lights come into contact with the dark desert sky, leaving the light moonless and the celestial band of the Milky Way plainly seen.

It is one of the darkest nights of the month, the Super New Moon coming soon, making it easier to see. Minimal light pollution ensures that both locals and guests can experience impressive views of the night sky, making these places ideal for stargazing.

Best Time to See the Milky Way

The best time to observe it is between 10:00 PM and 2:00 PM, when the centre of the galaxy is high in the sky over the south. In these hours the Milky Way is a bright, hazy “white-hot ribbon” that extends across the sky.

To top it off the Dubai Astronomy Group has another Milky Way observation event scheduled for Al Quaa at the same time, also featuring telescopes and astronomy experts to guide visitors in exploring the night sky.

How to Find the Milky Way?

Once you arrive at a location, give your eyes 15 to 20 minutes to adjust in the darkness on their own. Stay away from brightness on phones or vehicle lights during this time because that will make a big difference in night vision.

Point to the south to southeast sky and find the constellations Scorpius and Sagittarius using a star chart app like, stellarium. Sagittarius’ most famous “teapot” shape is easily identified, and the Milky Way seems to be pouring from its spout.

Getting to Al Quaa Desert

Al Quaa is about 150 km south of Abu Dhabi City, via Razeen Road on the outskirts of the Empty Quarter. Access to the Viewing Area is via entire paved roads – crossovers and sedans can get to any part.

While exploring the area, no one needs a four-wheel-drive vehicle, unless he or she drives on the part of the roadside that is unsettled. But every traveler will have to make a difficult preparation as there is no retail outlet, latrine or even public facilities appropriated by the viewing site.

The final stopping point is the ADNOC petrol station approximately 45 mins away. It is crucial to keep refuelling as well as purchasing supplies prior to desert entry.

Essential Safety Tips

The desert still gets very hot during the day in the month of June, but at night it’s much cooler. Don’t forget to bring along a lot of water, a few snack items, some light snacks, power banks, portable chairs, and ground mats to make your time comfortable.

Offline maps can be downloaded prior to travel, and mobile networks may be unreliable beyond the main access roads. They should also wear sturdy closed-toe footwear that dulls the light of desert dwellers that come out at night, and also not use bright white lights since the red lights will not affect the visitor’s night vision ability.

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FAQs

When is the best time to see the Milky Way in the Al Quaa Desert?

The ideal time to observe is from 10:00 h to 2:00 a.m. since the galactic center is at its peak elevation at this time and the night is darkest.

Is it necessary to have a 4×4 to go to Al Quaa?

No. The main viewing spot is accessible by paved roads and normal light trucks or crossovers can be driven safely there on the paved surface.

In which direction do I look to see the Milky Way?

Just follow the south to south east horizon and use the constellations of Scorpius and Sagittarius as guides to finding the Milky Way.

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