Residents of the UAE are in for a spectacular celestial show this month, with a “Pink” Moon set to rise on April 13 and the Lyrid meteor shower expected to follow closely behind from April 21 to 22.
The Pink Moon, though not actually pink, marks the first full moon of spring. The name originates from Native American traditions, symbolizing the blossoming of pink wildflowers. This year’s Pink Moon is also a micromoon, meaning it will appear slightly smaller and dimmer as it’s near its farthest point from Earth, known as apogee.
But the celestial events don’t stop there. Just after the Pink Moon, the Lyrid meteor shower will light up the skies, visible from 2 AM to 5 AM. This meteor shower will produce around 10 to 20 meteors per hour, making it less intense than others like the Quadrantids but still worth the watch. For the best views, head to regions away from city lights, such as the Al Qudra Desert or Jebel Hafeet. 
How Meteor Showers Happen
Meteor showers occur when debris, such as ice, rock, or metal, left over from comets and asteroids, enters Earth’s atmosphere. These tiny particles burn up as they travel through the sky, creating the bright streaks we see during meteor showers. Most of the debris is leftover from the formation of our solar system around 4.6 billion years ago.
The Lyrid meteor shower, for instance, radiates from the debris trail of Comet Thatcher, which has been around for over 2,000 years. The light streaks we see today are part of a never-ending cycle of celestial debris burning up in the atmosphere.
The Best Time to Catch the Show
Meteor showers are best seen away from light pollution, so UAE residents are encouraged to head to desert or mountainous areas like Al Qudra or Jebel Jais. It’s recommended to let your eyes adjust to the darkness for about 30 minutes before looking up. Avoid using bright screens, as they can hinder night vision. No telescopes or binoculars are needed since meteors move too fast for such equipment to capture them effectively.
Meteor Shower Calendar for 2025
For stargazers looking forward to more celestial shows, here are the major meteor showers scheduled for the rest of 2025:
- Eta Aquariids: May 5–6 (ideal for early risers)
- Perseids: August (100-150 meteors per hour)
- Orionids: October (15-25 meteors per hour)
- Leonids: November (10-20 meteors per hour)
- Geminids: December (150-200 meteors per hour)
Pro Tips for Meteor Watching
- Location: Head to desert or mountain regions for the clearest views.
- Night Vision: Allow at least 30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to darkness.
- Dress Warmly: Temperatures can drop quickly in remote areas, so pack accordingly.
- Safety: Always inform someone about your location when heading to remote areas.
- Equipment: Leave the telescopes at home. The best view is with the naked eye.
