The UAE’s night sky is set to welcome 2026 with a rare celestial spectacle, as the January Wolf Supermoon coincides with the Quadrantids Meteor Shower on Saturday, January 3, 2026.
The Al Qudra Desert is expected to become one of the best viewing locations in Dubai, offering skywatchers a chance to witness two major astronomical events on the same night. While a bright full moon usually limits meteor visibility, the Quadrantids are known for their intense activity and bright fireballs, many of which can still be seen even under strong moonlight.
The Wolf Moon, the first full moon of the year, will reach its closest point to Earth, earning it the designation of a Supermoon. As a result, the Moon will appear noticeably larger and brighter than usual, often glowing with a golden hue as it rises above the horizon.
A Meteor Shower with Historical Roots
The Quadrantids Meteor Shower is one of the most powerful annual meteor displays, though it peaks for only a short window. The shower is named after the now-defunct constellation Quadrans Muralis, removed from official star charts in 1922. The meteors originate from asteroid 2003 EH1, which orbits the Sun every 5.5 years, producing fast-moving streaks of light across the sky.
Stargazing Event at Al Qudra
To mark the occasion, the Dubai Astronomy Group is hosting a guided stargazing event in the Al Qudra Desert, providing participants with access to high-powered telescopes to observe the Supermoon, Jupiter, and other deep-sky objects.
Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, January 3, 2026
- Time: 11:00 PM – 03:00 AM
- Location: Al Qudra Desert, Dubai
- Fees: Dh200 (General) | Dh175 (Children under 13)
The program includes expert talks, constellation storytelling, a live meteor peak observation, and an interactive Q&A session. Attendees will also receive guidance on smartphone astrophotography, allowing them to capture close-up images of lunar craters and Jupiter’s moons.
Registration is mandatory and available through the Al Thuraya Astronomy Center website.
