The season for watching the "Milky Way" in the UAE has begun, and these days, the Al Quaa desert in Abu Dhabi has become one of the busiest nighttime destinations for residents of the UAE; a place where many consider it the darkest spot in the country for sky observation.

In recent weeks, hundreds have traveled to this area to see the galaxy, especially after an event organized by the Dubai Astronomy Group. Now many are asking: Can we go there without a tour and by personal car? The short answer is "yes," but with a few important conditions.

According to the organizers, the best time to see the Milky Way is from late March to September, and the best observation hours are between 9 PM and 3 AM; when the bright part of the galaxy is best visible in the sky.

The trip from Dubai or Sharjah to Al Quaa takes about two to three hours, and it is recommended to leave before dark. One of the most important points is that before entering the desert, you must fill up your gas tank, as there are not many facilities nearby, and even the nearest restroom is about 45 minutes away from the observation site.

The route to Al Quaa passes through several different roads, and due to weak mobile signal, downloading an offline map before departure is almost essential.

The interesting thing is that you do not necessarily need an off-road vehicle to reach the site, but drivers must stay exactly in the middle of the paved road and avoid going to the sides of the road; as soft sand can get the vehicle stuck.

The organizers have also warned that in the desert, animals such as camels, scorpions, or spiders may be seen, so suitable shoes, water, snacks, warm clothing, and basic equipment are essential.

Astronomy enthusiasts say that the experience of reaching Al Quaa is completely different from the sky of the UAE cities. One participant mentioned that when they entered the area, they realized how much city lights have prevented people from seeing the real sky.

According to volunteers from the Dubai Astronomy Group, the weather conditions, dark sky, and low humidity of the UAE deserts have made this country one of the best spots in the region for night sky observation.

Source: Gulf Times