One of the world’s rarest comets is going to shake the skies in UAE this month! If you keep up to date with Gulf Buzz you’ll know that Comet C/2023 A3, which only whooshes past Earth every 30,000 years, is going to make an appearance for us on Saturday, October 19th! This will be the first and only time we’ll be able to see this comet in our lifetimes (or even our grandkids, 1072 generations from now). So, if I’ve convinced you enough that you cannot miss this “comet of the century”, come along and, I’ll show you the best places to stargaze in the UAE!
Comet A3 will be bright enough to be visible to the naked eye and will offer an exciting sight for amateur astronomers using binoculars, telescopes, and cameras. However, this comet is not easy to spot for non-astronomers and your best bet would be to go to a place with no light pollution and where you can get a professional to guide you, so you definitely don’t miss it!
Also read: UAE: See An Ultra Rare Comet Next Month Without A Telescope
1. Al Quaa Milky Way Spot
Known as the darkest spot in the UAE, Al Quaa did not get its ‘Milky Way Spot’ name for no reason! You’ll need a 4×4 to reach it, as it’s located deep in the desert, but it’s absolutely worth the trip. Pop the coordinates into Google Maps (23.604633,54.750256) and prepare to be amazed by the stars and the comet.
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2. Shuweihat Island
Want to enjoy a scenic day and an awe-inspiring night of stargazing? Shuweihat Island is the place to be. Around a 4-hour drive from Dubai, this tranquil island offers stunning views of salt flats by day and starry skies by night. Bring a 4×4 vehicle for the journey, and you’ll be treated to a truly serene escape.
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3. Al Qudra
Al Qudra is one of the UAE’s most well-known stargazing spots and is super easy to reach from Dubai. The trick is to head beyond the lakes and cycle tracks, finding a quieter spot away from the city lights. With low luminosity, a telescope will give you the best view – grab an affordable one online for your own mini-James Webb experience!
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4. Wadi Shawka
If you love combining hiking with stargazing, Wadi Shawka in Ras Al Khaimah is the perfect spot. Less than an hour from Dubai, this natural gem draws nature lovers for its clean mountain air and wide-open skies. Arrive early to find the best camping spot, and enjoy a night under the stars like never before.
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5. Al Sadeem Astronomy Centre
For a more guided stargazing experience, head to the Al Sadeem Astronomy Centre in Abu Dhabi’s Al Wathbah. This centre makes astronomy fun and accessible with its night sky observation tours, using both traditional and smart telescopes. It’s the ideal spot for those wanting expert insights while catching a glimpse of the comet.
For more information, visit their website.
So, will I see you out in the desert on Saturday, October 19th?
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