The UAE is set to witness its first full moon of summer—the Buck Moon—on July 10, according to the Dubai Astronomy Group. This annual lunar event, rooted in Native American traditions, is named for the time when male deer (bucks) begin to grow their antlers.

Viewing Details:
UAE residents can look toward the eastern horizon shortly after moonrise at 7:10pm on July 10 and before moonset at 5:43am on July 11, according to Khadija Al Hariri, Operations Manager at DAG. During these times, the moon may appear larger or more golden due to its position low on the horizon, which gives it a more striking visual effect.

Although terms like “Buck Moon” aren't scientific, Khadija notes they help make astronomy more engaging and relatable for the public around the world.

Summer Astronomical Highlights:

Meteor Showers:
While summers are typically quieter in astronomical terms, the Perseids meteor shower, peaking in August, promises a dazzling display with up to 150–200 meteors per hour. This event is one of the most prolific meteor showers of the year.

Among these meteors, viewers may even catch fireballs — bright meteors more luminous than Venus. These occur when larger pieces of debris enter Earth’s atmosphere, sometimes exploding or producing sound.

Tip: Try to watch meteor showers when there’s no bright moon, as it can outshine the meteors and hinder visibility.

Milky Way Visibility:

Summer also provides an ideal window to observe the Milky Way galaxy. The best spot in the UAE is Al Qua’a in Abu Dhabi, known for its dark skies and low light pollution.

July offers the clearest view of the Milky Way’s core. Use a sky map app to find the Scorpius constellation in the southeast, as the galaxy lies right next to it.

Safety Tips for Stargazers:

If you're heading to the desert or remote areas for stargazing:

Bring plenty of water and essential supplies.

Travel with others and inform someone of your plans in case of emergencies.

For detailed guidance on the best times and tools to observe these celestial events, Khaleej Times offers further reports and resources.