Residents across the UAE and millions worldwide are eagerly awaiting the September 7 Blood Moon, a rare event where stargazers in the Emirates will witness a total lunar eclipse lasting for 1 hour and 22 minutes.
While the total stage lasts for just over an hour, UAE residents can view different stages of the eclipse for nearly five and a half hours.
The moon will turn red in the UAE as the Earth passes directly between the sun and the moon, casting a shadow across the lunar surface, thus earning the name ‘Blood Moon’.
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The total stage of the eclipse is expected to begin at 9:30 PM and end around 10:52 PM. Generally, residents can enjoy a good view of the celestial spectacle at any location with clear skies, away from humidity and city lights. Here are some top spots to watch it from:
• Jebel Jais: This iconic mountain stands as the highest peak of the country. UAE’s stargazers can enjoy the cool mountain air while getting an up-close view of the sky. The highest mountain also offers dining spots and adrenaline-pumping experiences, allowing residents to combine moon-watching with a family day out.
• Al Qudra Desert: UAE’s expansive deserts offer quiet skies, away from the noise and light pollution of the cities. If you are gathered in the desert, hoping to see the red glow of the eclipse, be mindful of safety precautions. This unique desert, with its golden sands, is also home to several man-made lakes, offering a blend of both worlds. Residents can spot swans at Al Qudra Lake and cruise over the soaring dunes.
• Liwa Desert: Located in Abu Dhabi, this desert is the ancestral home to the Bani Yas tribe, meaning you will be gazing at the same skies that the ancestors in the UAE once looked to for guidance. The desert features some of the world’s largest sand dunes, with many rising more than 150 meters in height.
• Hajar Mountains: This mountain range connects two countries, shared between the United Arab Emirates and Oman. The rugged peaks are a popular attraction, and astronomy enthusiasts can watch the Blood Moon against the backdrop of the highest mountain range in the eastern Arabian Peninsula.
