Reconnecting with the Cosmos in the UAE's Darkest Corner

The United Arab Emirates is renowned for its impressive urban landscapes, characterized by towering skyscrapers and vibrant city lights that symbolize its swift transformation into a global hub for commerce and tourism. However, far from this urban sprawl, the vast desert interior, historically navigated by stars, still holds pockets of pristine darkness.

The Dubai Astronomy Group has been facilitating a unique opportunity for residents and visitors to reconnect with the night sky, offering excursions to the Al Quaa Desert. This remote location, situated approximately 100 kilometers southeast of Abu Dhabi, remains untouched by urban light pollution, providing an exceptional vantage point for observing celestial phenomena, including the Milky Way.

The Al Quaa Experience: A Journey to Stargazing Serenity

Sheeraz Awan, general manager of the Dubai Astronomy Group, emphasized the profound impact of these excursions, stating that they foster an appreciation for our place within the galaxy. The journey to Al Quaa Desert is accessible by vehicle, involving a drive along a major highway towards Al Ain, followed by a turn onto a road leading deep into the desert. Despite some overhead road lights on the initial stretch known as Razeen Road, the desert quickly transitions into complete darkness.

An automated gate opens to an unpaved road, guiding visitors further into the wilderness. Here, amidst campers enjoying the last cool nights before the intense UAE summer, dozens gather for the stargazing event. Under the minimal illumination of a small LED lamp, the desert ecosystem thrives, as evidenced by a camel spider observed preying on another, an encounter that briefly sent it scurrying from approaching vehicles.

Witnessing the Milky Way with the Naked Eye

Participants, including families speaking Arabic, English, and Russian, settled onto carpets to gaze upwards. As the half-moon gradually dipped below the horizon, the faint, cloudy outline of the Milky Way became visible to the naked eye. Awan guided their attention, pointing out the galaxy towards the east with a laser, eliciting gasps and exclamations from the crowd.

Volunteers from the Dubai Astronomy Group highlighted May as an optimal time for viewing the galaxy. The pristine darkness allowed for clear sightings of meteors streaking across the sky. While some utilized telescopes for closer observations of individual stars, others opted to lie on the cool desert sand, receiving tips on how to capture long-exposure photographs of the overhead galaxy with their mobile phones.

As the night progressed, attendees gradually returned to their vehicles, beginning the drive back to the illuminated highways and cities of the UAE. Awan underscored the timeless nature of stargazing, reminding participants that engaging with the night sky is an activity that humans have pursued throughout history.

Source: UAE's 'darkest spot' reveals a rare view of the Milky Way