2024 has been an exciting year for space enthusiasts in the UAE. From a mini-moon orbiting Earth to the biggest supermoon of the year, a city-sized asteroid passing by in October, and a rare comet lighting up the skies, the year has offered many celestial spectacles.
Now, as 2024 draws to a close, residents are set to witness another breathtaking event—a supermoon coinciding with the Leonids meteor shower on November 16.
Why Does It Feel Like Celestial Events Are Increasing?
It’s not that the sky is busier; we’re just paying more attention. According to Ibrahim Ghounaimat, crescent observer specialist at the International Astronomical Centre (IAC), the perception of more space activity comes from media and social platforms highlighting rare or unique phenomena.
This, coupled with increased access to astronomy apps and social media, has made people more observant of such events, says Khadijah Al Hariri from the Dubai Astronomy Group (DAG).
The sky has always been active, but November’s cosmic double feature—a supermoon and Leonids meteor shower promises to be a particularly rare treat. While the Leonids occur annually, their overlap with a supermoon, which happens only three to four times a year, is uncommon.
What to Know About the Leonids Meteor Shower
The Leonids meteor shower, created by debris from Comet Tempel-Tuttle, lights up the sky every November as Earth crosses the comet’s dusty trail. When these particles hit Earth’s atmosphere, they create bright streaks, sometimes even “fireballs,” according to DAG. This year, UAE residents can spot the Leonids after midnight and in the early morning hours of November 17 and 18.
For the best view, DAG recommends finding a dark, open area away from city lights, such as the Al Qudra Desert. Stargazers attending DAG’s special event there can enjoy telescopes, guided stargazing, interactive lectures, and tips for capturing these celestial wonders on camera.
While no equipment is needed to see the meteors, telescopes aren’t ideal as meteors move too quickly for detailed viewing. However, the supermoon, peaking on November 16, can be enjoyed with a telescope to see its surface details. DAG cautions that the supermoon’s brightness might slightly reduce visibility for fainter meteors.
Astrophotography Tips for the Leonids and Supermoon
If you’re looking to capture these events on camera, follow these suggestions from DAG:
For Leonids Meteor Shower:
- Use a wide-angle lens and a tripod.
- Set ISO to 1600-3200 with a shutter speed of 5-10 seconds.
- Aim your camera at the Leo constellation for the best results.
- Use time-lapse to capture multiple meteors over time.
For the Supermoon:
- Use a zoom lens and a tripod for clear shots.
- Set ISO low with a shutter speed of 1-2 seconds.
- Focus on moonrise for the most dramatic visuals.
Supermoon: The Final One of 2024
This “Beaver Moon” is the last supermoon of 2024, following August’s Blue Moon, September’s Harvest Moon, and October’s Hunter’s Moon. A supermoon occurs when the moon is closest to Earth in its orbit, making it appear larger and brighter than usual.
The term “Beaver Moon” originates from Native American traditions, marking the time when beavers prepared for winter and trappers set their last traps before freezing waters.
The supermoon will peak on the night of November 16 and will be most visible just after moonrise. Residents can view it with the naked eye or use telescopes for a closer look at its surface details, according to DAG.
How Do Astronomers Predict These Events?
Astronomers use advanced tools, historical data, and models to forecast space events accurately. For example, meteor showers are predictable as they depend on Earth’s orbit intersecting with comet debris paths at specific times. Similarly, supermoons are calculated based on the moon’s elliptical orbit.
With the UAE’s growing interest in space, more residents are engaging with astronomy. Khadijah Al Hariri notes that open data, apps, and simulations now make it easier for anyone to track celestial events. Ibrahim Ghounaimat adds that resources like these help deepen public awareness and understanding of space.
This November, take the opportunity to enjoy the wonder of the UAE’s night skies. Whether you’re observing the supermoon, the Leonids meteor shower, or both, the cosmos promises to deliver a spectacular show.
