The Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority, in cooperation with the Rum Sky Tourist Observatory in Wadi Rum, organized an astronomical event on Wednesday evening to observe the Perseid meteor shower.
اضافة اعلان
The event brought together media professionals and professional and amateur photographers from Aqaba and Amman, with the aim of showcasing Wadi Rum’s unique natural and astronomical features and promoting it as a distinctive destination for astro-tourism, stargazing and astrophotography.
During the event, Authority Commissioner for Tourism and Youth Affairs Thabet Al-Nabulsi said Wadi Rum possesses unique natural and astronomical assets that qualify it to develop specialized astro-tourism experiences.
He noted that the authority is working to diversify the tourism offering by combining astronomy with nature, adventure, camping and astrophotography.
He added that astro-tourism provides an opportunity to connect astronomical experiences with existing tourism activities in Wadi Rum, enriching visitors’ experiences, extending their stays and increasing the economic value of tourism products.
He also stressed the importance of cooperation with specialists and the tourism sector to develop high-quality and sustainable experiences.
Faiz Khalifat, founder of the Rum Sky Tourist Observatory, said the Perseids are among the most prominent annual meteor showers and reach their peak during the night of August 12–13.
He noted that their coincidence with the new moon created favorable conditions for observing meteors, particularly in areas with dark skies far from sources of light pollution.
He also said Jordan’s skies witnessed several astronomical phenomena during this period, including an apparent alignment of six planets before sunrise. Some of these planets can be seen with the naked eye, while observing the more distant planets requires specialized astronomical equipment.
The event offered an integrated tourism experience that began with an introduction to Bedouin life through tours and tourism activities in Wadi Rum.
This was followed by an introductory video and an astronomy lecture covering celestial phenomena and observation techniques, before participants headed to the Rum Sky Observatory to watch the Perseid meteor shower and take part in a specialized stargazing experience.
The event also featured an astrophotography competition, with prizes awarded for the best photographs documenting Wadi Rum’s night sky and the astronomical phenomena observed in the area.
The initiative aims to encourage the production of professional visual content showcasing the beauty of Wadi Rum and the uniqueness of its skies, while increasing its presence in the media and on digital platforms.
The event brought together cultural heritage, desert landscapes, and scientific and astronomical experiences as part of efforts to promote Wadi Rum as a specialized astro-tourism destination and attract visitors interested in stargazing, astrophotography and celestial phenomena.
