Capturing the 2026 Perseids Meteor Shower in the UAE

Aug 3, 2026

90 min

Aug 3, 2026 03:31

Perseids 2026 in the UAE: How to actually catch a meteor on an iPhone or Android phone

## When and Where to Watch

The Perseids meteor shower will peak over the UAE on the night of August 12 to 13, 2026. With up to 100 meteors per hour expected, this year's event coincides with a new moon, enhancing visibility. The best viewing times are between midnight and 4 am, with the local peak around 1:30 am on August 13. If the first night is cloudy, the following night offers another chance.

## Ideal Locations

For optimal viewing, distance from city lights is crucial. Popular spots include Al Quaa Milky Way spot, Al Qudra desert, Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah, and Mleiha in Sharjah. The Dubai Astronomy Group is also hosting an event at Al Khatim Desert, Abu Dhabi.

## Photographing Meteors with Smartphones

### Essential Equipment

A tripod is necessary for long exposure shots, preventing blurring. For iPhones, a tripod enables longer exposures, while Android users should switch to Pro mode for manual control.

### iPhone Settings

Use Night Mode Max for exposures up to 30 seconds, or third-party apps like NightCap Camera for single exposures. Ensure the phone is steady and focus is set to infinity.

### Android Settings

For Android, use Night Sight on Pixel phones or Expert RAW on Samsung. Set the shutter to 15-25 seconds, ISO to 1600, and focus to infinity. Adjust white balance to 3900-4200K.

### Additional Tips

Remove phone cases to prevent overheating, and allow the phone to acclimate to outdoor temperatures to avoid lens fogging. Use a red light to preserve night vision and bring a power bank for extended sessions.

## Final Thoughts

Capturing meteors requires patience and preparation. Compose your shots with interesting foregrounds and let the meteors naturally enter the frame. Enjoy the spectacle and take breaks to simply watch the sky.

Read the full story at the source

What you need to know to get Emirates ID?

Leave your details and get a guide as a gift to avoid mistakes

Article contents