NASA Features AlUla Sky in 'Astronomy Picture of the Day'
Image showcasing green glow from a meteor crossing the Pleiades star cluster marks international milestone for Saudi region
The AlUla governorate has been highlighted internationally following NASA's selection of a sky photograph taken within the region as its 'Astronomy Picture of the Day'.
This image, featuring the green glow of a meteor crossing the Pleiades star cluster during a one-hour exposure, underscores AlUla's reputation as an exceptional destination for stargazing and astrophotography.
NASA featured this image under the title "The Meteor and the Star Cluster" on August 25, marking its inaugural appearance in the global platform and underscoring the distinctiveness of AlUla’s dark skies.
The achievement is attributed to the support of Manarat AlUla, which aims at preserving the region's pristine night-sky environment and enhancing its global standing in sky exploration and astrophotography.
The photograph was captured between Hegra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Gharameel Nature Reserve, the only two sites in the Gulf to hold the prestigious Dark Sky designation from DarkSky International.
AlUla is recognized for having exceptionally clear night skies, placing it within the top 5 percent of observing sites globally in terms of darkness and lack of light pollution.
This recognition by NASA solidifies AlUla's growing reputation as a leading destination for astro-tourism and sky exploration due to its unique astronomical environment and optimal conditions that offer visitors profound experiences in observing the universe.
This image, featuring the green glow of a meteor crossing the Pleiades star cluster during a one-hour exposure, underscores AlUla's reputation as an exceptional destination for stargazing and astrophotography.
NASA featured this image under the title "The Meteor and the Star Cluster" on August 25, marking its inaugural appearance in the global platform and underscoring the distinctiveness of AlUla’s dark skies.
The achievement is attributed to the support of Manarat AlUla, which aims at preserving the region's pristine night-sky environment and enhancing its global standing in sky exploration and astrophotography.
The photograph was captured between Hegra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Gharameel Nature Reserve, the only two sites in the Gulf to hold the prestigious Dark Sky designation from DarkSky International.
AlUla is recognized for having exceptionally clear night skies, placing it within the top 5 percent of observing sites globally in terms of darkness and lack of light pollution.
This recognition by NASA solidifies AlUla's growing reputation as a leading destination for astro-tourism and sky exploration due to its unique astronomical environment and optimal conditions that offer visitors profound experiences in observing the universe.
