As 2025 draws to a close, UAE residents can anticipate witnessing three supermoons in three consecutive months, including the year’s largest.
These lunar events will provide a spectacular celestial show for stargazers in the Emirates, as the supermoon will be visible from any location with a clear horizon. According to Khadijah Al Hariri, operations manager at Dubai Astronomy Group, a supermoon occurs when a full moon is at its closest point to Earth.
The moon will appear 14% larger and 30% brighter, but that’s not the only astronomical event to look forward to in the coming months.
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UAE skies will also be illuminated by three major meteor showers, each showcasing unique features such as speed, brightness, and quantity.
Supermoons
The first exciting event is just around the corner on October 7, when the Hunter’s Supermoon will light up the UAE skies. Following last month’s lunar eclipse, social media buzzed with photos of the moon’s landscape.
For those who missed the eclipse, numerous lunar events await in the final quarter. Although the moon is our sole natural satellite, it will be known by different names in the upcoming months, largely derived from Native American traditions, linking the moon’s appearance to seasonal events.
Here’s when and what to expect each month:
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October 7, Hunter’s Moon: Named for the time when animals are well-fed and hunters traditionally preserved meat for the winter.
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November 5, Beaver Moon: Coincides with beavers preparing for winter and constructing lodges. Historically, it was also when trappers set beaver traps before swamps froze.
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December 5, Cold Moon: The name reflects December’s long, cold nights.
Tips to Watch the Supermoon
The moon appears largest when low on the horizon. Watch at moonrise (just after sunset) or moonset (before sunrise), Khadijah advises.
No special equipment is required; simply find an open area free of light pollution, such as deserts, beaches, or high terrains, and gaze upwards. Remember to consider safety and go with groups when visiting remote locations.
Astrophotography enthusiasts should position the moon near landmarks like mountains or buildings, adjust exposure to avoid overexposure, and use a tripod and zoom lens for stability, Khadijah suggests.
Meteor Showers
In the final quarter of 2025, UAE will experience three meteor showers, painting the sky with colorful streaks as comet and asteroid dust enters Earth’s atmosphere.
To view meteor showers, find a dark location away from city lights and prepare to be patient, as meteors can appear unexpectedly. Bring a blanket or mat to comfortably lie down and observe the sky, Khadijah recommends.
October 21, Orionids Meteor Shower
Originating from Halley’s Comet, this shower is known for bright, fast meteors that leave glowing trails, traveling at speeds up to 66km per second, according to DAG.
The best time to see this shower is from midnight until dawn on October 21 to 22, producing up to 20 meteors per hour.
November 17, Leonids Meteor Shower
Famous for occasional meteor storms of up to a thousand meteors per hour, 2025 will see about 10 to 15 meteors per hour, Khadijah notes.
Originating from Comet Tempel-Tuttle, the Leonids are best viewed after midnight, leaving persistent trails.
December 14, Geminids Meteor Shower
Wrapping up 2025, the Geminids are one of the year’s strongest showers, producing over 100 meteors per hour under optimal conditions.
Unlike other showers, they originate from asteroid 3200 Phaethon and feature brightly colored meteors in yellow, green, blue, or red hues, as noted by DAG.
UAE residents can see up to 120 meteors per hour, and the Geminids are known for their slower movement, making them easier to spot streaking across the sky.
