A 50,000 year old comet will light up UAE skies this weekend

According to experts, this may very well be the last time that this comet comes our way again…

If there ever was a time to hit the pause button and set your eyes on the skies, this is it. A comet named C/2022 E3 (ZTF) will be swinging past the skies this February and luckily for us, it will be visible in the UAE sky.

A number of celestial events take place throughout the year, from comets to meteor showers, shooting stars and eclipses – so why is this event one you don’t want to miss?

Well, Comet C/2022 E3 will be at its closest to the sun since the last ice age (that’s 50,000 years ago) before it passes by the earth in February. And according to experts, this may be the last time the comet comes our way again.

So, what is the best way to see it?

Stargazers here in UAE will be able to join Dubai Astronomy Group for a special night of observation at Al Qudra Desert on Saturday, February 4, 2023.

The event will run from 6.30pm to 9.30pm. General tickets will cost you Dhs120 for adults and Dhs100 for children under 13. You can book your spot here.

The program includes information on how to observe the comet, a question and answer session, Arabian astronomy and of course, the fun part – observing Comet C/2022 E3.

The astronomy group will also observe other celestial bodies during the night including Jupiter, Mars, the Moon, and other deep sky objects. You can even use your phone to snap up photos of the celestial objects through the telescope.

For an additional Dhs50 per person, the astronomy group will arrange pick-up from the Centerpoint Metro Station (Rashidiya Park parking) at 4.45pm. You will be dropped off at the same venue post the event by 10.50pm.

Don’t forget to carry your Emirates ID, snacks, and a jacket to keep warm.

Find more information here.

Images: Getty Images