August is an excellent month for stargazing in the UAE due to favorable weather and astronomical conditions. In the coming days, celestial observers might be lucky enough to see the Da Vinci Glow, a phenomenon that occurs near sunset when a crescent moon is low on the horizon, but the silhouette of a full moon can still be seen. Additionally, the annual Perseid meteor shower will be visible as Earth passes through the debris trail of a former comet.
‘Da Vinci glow’
On the nights just before and after a new moon, when only a thin crescent is visible, you can sometimes observe the beautiful effect known as Earthshine, or Da Vinci Glow.
This effect makes the entire moon appear dimly illuminated with a bluish-gray light, even though only a bright crescent is visible. As such, the term Earthshine is sometimes referred to as “the old moon in the new moon’s arms.” This glow is caused by sunlight reflecting off the Earth and onto the moon’s surface.
“The so-called ‘Da Vinci glow’ is a captivating celestial phenomenon where a faint, ethereal light illuminates the unlit portion of the Moon. It is mostly visible when the moon is a thin crescent and appears typically a few days after the new Moon. The next new moon in the UAE is on August 4,” said Sarath Raj – Project Director of the Amity University Dubai Satellite Ground Station and Programme Leader of Aerospace Engineering at Amity University Dubai.
“This ghostly glow, often referred to as ‘earthshine’, is caused by sunlight reflecting off Earth’s surface and back onto the Moon. When looking at a crescent moon, sometimes, you can see a faint glow on the part of the moon that’s usually dark. This is called the ‘Da Vinci Glow’. It’s like Earth is acting as a giant mirror.”
“That’s why it is also called ‘earthshine’.” The glow is named after Leonardo da Vinci who first observed it.
Perseids Meteor Shower
Are you prepared for the 2024 Perseid meteor shower? The cosmic event will feature about 100 meteors an hour shooting across the night sky.
This year, it is anticipated to reach its peak on August 12 and 13, illuminating the skies not only in the UAE but worldwide.
The Perseid meteor shower is widely regarded as the most spectacular of all the meteor showers that take place throughout the year.
The Perseids are caused by Earth passing through debris — bits of ice and rock — left behind by Comet Swift-Tuttle which last passed close to Earth in 1992.
The Perseids reach their peak as Earth ventures through the most densely packed and dusty region. Therefore, they are set to peak during the late hours of Saturday, August 12, and the early hours of August 13, as stated by the Astronomy Group.
As Perseids race through Earth’s atmosphere, they paint the sky with light and color.
“Perseids are renowned for their fireballs,” the NASA space agency explained. “Fireballs are more significant bursts of light and color that can linger longer than a typical meteor streak. This is because fireballs stem from larger particles of comet material.”
When you sit back to watch a meteor shower, you’re actually seeing the pieces of comet debris heat up as they enter the atmosphere and burn up in a bright burst of light, streaking a vivid path across the sky as they travel at 37 miles (59 kilometers) per second, according to NASA.
According to NASA, this year’s Perseids will be slightly impacted by a 53% waxing Moon, but the Moon will set right as the Perseids begin to peak! This means that if you are in an area free from light pollution and enjoy clear skies, you may be able to see quite a few meteors over the course of the night!
How can I witness these shooting stars?
The Perseids meteor shower is visible to the naked eye, but telescopes will make it even better.
Sharjah: Mleiha Archaeological Centre
Join the archaeological center in Sharjah for a magical evening of stargazing! With professional telescopes and expert guidance, you’ll get an incredible view of the night sky.
Stretch out on cozy carpets and cushions as you gaze up at the stars, learn fascinating facts about the Perseid meteor shower from leading astronomers, and enjoy some delicious star-themed snacks.
From Dhs225. Mon Aug 12, 7pm-1am. Mleiha Archaeological Centre, Sharjah.
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