UAE residents will be dazzled by the brightest comet of the year this weekend, as the heavenly body streaks closest to the Arab skies. The phenomenon which happens only once in more than four centuries is a welcome treat as Christmas draws near.
The 46P/Wirtanen, more commonly known as the Christmas comet, will be visible in the UAE and will be at its brightest between December 14 and December 18, reported Khaleej Times.
The celestial wonder is also at its closest to the Earth in more than four centuries and will not be as close to the planet again in the next 20 years.
“The comet, visibly including its diffuse halo of light, is about the size of the full moon. You should be able to see it through binoculars or using a standard DSLR camera if you are away from bright city lights,” said CEO of the Dubai Astronomy Group, Hasan Al Hariri.
Aside from the Christmas comet, the Geminid Meteor Shower is set to happen on the night of December 14 and will last until the morning of December 15.
During the meteor shower, around 120 meteors will light up the sky every hour and will be visible to the naked eye.
Over the last few years, UAE residents even camp out just to see the annual phenomenon. Those who intend to watch the meteor shower are advised to lie on the ground and let the eye get used to the dark for 10 minutes.
Aside from viewing from outside their homes, residents could also opt to attend group viewing events such as the one organized by the Dubai Astronomy Group which will happen on December 14.
The Geminid Meteor Shower occurs worldwide every year and has been happening for the past 200 years.
