AlUla: The Dark Sky Representative of the Middle East in NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day
For the first time, NASA, the American space agency, has published an image of the sky over the AlUla region in Saudi Arabia in the famous Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD) section, an action that has drawn global attention to the region’s potential for star observation.
The photo, titled ‘Meteor and the Pleiades M45,’ was released on August 25 and showcases a stunning view of a meteor passing by the blue stars of the Pleiades cluster.
In its description, NASA wrote that this green meteor, captured in a one-hour exposure, enhances the beauty of the famous Pleiades stars.
AlUla, an ancient city in northwestern Saudi Arabia, is renowned for its clear night skies and desert landscapes.
In 2024, the areas of Manara and Gharameel were recognized as the first dark sky parks in the Persian Gulf, a title given to areas with minimal light pollution.
This selection by NASA aligns with Saudi Arabia’s efforts within the framework of Vision 2030 to develop cultural and astronomical tourism.
In addition to its natural landscapes, AlUla is also home to Hegra, the first UNESCO World Heritage site in Saudi Arabia.