From Supermoons to Shooting Stars: Why 2026 Will Be a Dream Year for UAE Skywatchers Abu Dhabi/Dubai: Attention skywatchers and residents of the UAE! 2026 holds a spectacular show surprise for you from supermoons to meteor showers, planetary alignments and other rare astronomical events lined up throughout this year. As local astronomy groups say, it could be one of the most engaging seasons for sky observation in recent memory.
Supermoons to start and end the year
If you missed the Super Wolf Moon on January 3, sweat not as the Dubai Astronomy Group has confirmed that there are going to be three supermoons this year. The Super Wolf Moon is 14% larger and 30% brighter than a regular full moon and occurs when the moon is closer to the Earth hence, it appears to be bigger and brighter but that is not all.The other two supermoons are going to be visible from the UAE too and includes the Beaver Supermoon on November 24 and the Cold Supermoon on December 24 of this year, which is to be the closest and brightest supermoon since 2019.Supermoons occur when the full moon coincides with the moon’s closest point in its orbit around the Earth, resulting in bigger and brighter views through clear skies. Supermoons are a wonder for both amateur observers and photographers.
Meteor showers and shooting stars across the year
Besides supermoons, many major meteor showers are also lined up for skygazers who want to witness shooting stars streak across the sky. One such major shower is the Quadrantid Meteor shower, which will occur this January. It peaked in the first week although its dates span until mid-January.Going forward, skywatchers and celestial body lovers can keep a track of the following astronomical events:Perseid Meteor Shower is expected to take place in mid-August. They are known for producing bright and fast meteors.Geminid Meteor Shower is expected to take place in mid-December and it is one of the best annual shower events that have the potential to produce 100+ meteors per hour.The shower series provide an incredible opportunity to enjoy the night sky, especially where there is minimal light pollution, making the UAE a perfect spot for stargazers.
Planetary and other astronomical highlights
Beyond moons and meteors, 2026 is shaping up to be rich with other celestial events:Jupiter will reach opposition on January 10, making it the brightest it will be all year.Several planetary conjunctions and alignments such as a close Venus–Jupiter pairing in June and Mars–Jupiter in November, will offer striking sky views.The year also features eclipses visible in parts of the world and may produce a vivid “Blood Moon” during the March 3 total lunar eclipse.Combined, these events form part of a global calendar of astronomical phenomena that will attract not just local observers but enthusiasts tuning in from around the world.
UAE skywatching calendar 2026
MonthEventPeak Date(s)Best Viewing Time (GCC)Visibility NotesJanuaryQuadrantid Meteor ShowerJan 3–4After midnight to dawnShort but intense peak; moonlight may affect fainter meteors
Wolf SupermoonJan 3Nightfall onwardsAppears larger and brighter than usualAprilLyrid Meteor ShowerApr 21–22Midnight to early morningModerate rates; good dark-sky viewingMayEta Aquariid Meteor ShowerMay 5–6Pre-dawn hoursBest seen from GCC due to southern radiantJulyDelta Aquariid Meteor ShowerJul 28–29Late night to dawnLong-lasting shower, steady meteorsAugustPerseid Meteor ShowerAug 12–13After midnightOne of the year’s most popular; excellent viewing expectedOctoberDraconid Meteor ShowerOct 7Early eveningUnpredictable but visible soon after sunset
Orionid Meteor ShowerOct 21–22Midnight onwardsFast, bright meteors from Halley’s CometNovemberTaurid Meteor ShowerNov 4–5Late eveningSlow, bright fireballs possible
Leonid Meteor ShowerNov 17–18Pre-dawnSharp peak; occasional meteor outburstsDecemberGeminid Meteor ShowerDec 13–14Late night to dawnOne of the strongest meteor showers annually
Ursid Meteor ShowerDec 21–22Pre-dawnModest activity but dark skies help
Christmas SupermoonDec 24Evening & nightFinal supermoon of 2026
Viewing tips for UAE residents and skygazers
Best locations: Desert outskirts, beaches or dark rural areas away from city lights.No equipment needed: Meteors are best viewed with the naked eye.Peak nights: Arrive at least 30–45 minutes early for eyes to adapt.Weather: Winter and early spring nights offer clearer skies across the UAE.
Why 2026 UAE’s sky is special
Astronomers say that the year 2026 is full of visible events in the sky that can be viewed with the naked eye or basic telescopes. This will be a good opportunity for people interested in astrophotography and even casual skywatchers. In the UAE, many people are organising events for residents to make the most of the opportunity by planning stargazing nights, photography workshops and educational sessions.Whether it is spotting bright meteors streak across the darkness or watching the Moon loom oversized over the horizon, the year’s celestial calendar promises a year-long invitation to “look up” and explore the wonders above.