Wadi Rum Sets Sights on Global Recognition Through Astro-Tourism, Generating JD3 Million Annually
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Wadi Rum is emerging as one of Jordan’s leading astro-tourism destinations, benefiting from exceptionally dark skies and a desert environment that offers visitors an experience combining astronomical observation with nature. Astronomical and nighttime activities are estimated to generate at least JD3 million in additional annual income for the local community.اضافة اعلان
This experience builds on an established tourism base that attracts more than half a million overnight visitors in many years. Thabet Al-Nabulsi, Tourism and Youth Commissioner at the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), estimates that around 50% or more of tourists make use of astronomical and nighttime services. He noted, however, that there are currently no precise statistics measuring their economic impact. Specialists meanwhile place protecting dark skies and limiting light pollution at the forefront of requirements for preserving and developing this tourism product.
Three Key Advantages
Al-Nabulsi believes Wadi Rum has three key advantages that qualify it to become one of the world’s top destinations for astronomical observation. The first is the darkness of its night skies, resulting from the area’s distance from sources of light pollution.
The second is that Wadi Rum is an established tourist destination in its own right, receiving more than half a million overnight visitors in many years, including international, Arab and Jordanian tourists. The third is the beauty of its landscape and natural surroundings, giving visitors an experience that combines enjoying the desert by day and night with the beauty of the night sky.
Al-Nabulsi says the combination of these three characteristics is found in very few places around the world. He also points to the clarity of the skies and the near absence of light pollution due to the desert environment, noting that light pollution approaches zero in the deepest parts of the desert, while the skies remain clear on most days of the year.
Fayez Khalifat, founder of the Rum Sky Tourist Astronomical Observatory in Wadi Rum, says the area is distinguished astronomically by three natural characteristics: the darkness of the night sky, its elevation above sea level—which improves astronomical observation conditions—and its weather, with relatively few days affected by heavy cloud cover or dust.
Between Levels 2 and 3 on the Bortle Scale
On the Bortle dark-sky scale, Khalifat says Wadi Rum falls between levels 2 and 3. The scale consists of nine levels, with Level 1 representing the darkest skies and Level 9 the least dark, where light pollution is extremely high.
According to Khalifat, the level varies depending on the location within Wadi Rum. Some areas reach Level 2 and are extremely dark, while others register Level 3, which still represents a high degree of darkness, although slightly lower.
Amar Al-Sakji, president of the Jordanian Astronomical Society, says the society’s preliminary measurements of light pollution in some parts of Wadi Rum indicate Level 3 on the Bortle scale. He noted that the figure is changing due to the increasing and uncontrolled use of lighting, underscoring the need to preserve the darkness of the skies and establish lighting standards.
From a Specialized Observatory to Night Walks
Stargazing and astronomical observation services in Wadi Rum fall into three main categories, according to Al-Nabulsi. The first is a specialized astronomical observatory that provides professional and independent services outside the camps. The second consists of camps that have acquired their own telescopes and now offer astronomical activities to their guests and visitors.
The third is the night-walking experience, which Al-Nabulsi describes as simple yet rich. Guides accompany visitors, explain the beauty of the night sky and observe it with them with the naked eye, without the use of technology.
Tourist camps, particularly star camps and glass and panoramic dome camps, have also contributed to the development of the activity by providing telescopes and specialized guides to explain constellations to visitors.
Al-Nabulsi links the growth of the activity to public-private partnerships, including government and regulatory support from ASEZA, alongside private-sector investment in specialized tourist camps and the provision of astronomical equipment and guides. He said the authority is promoting the area as an integrated tourism hub combining adventure, tranquility, nature exploration and stargazing.
He believes the activity has become part of Wadi Rum’s identity and a major reason visitors from different countries choose to spend nights in the desert. Astronomical observation has also become a key factor in extending tourists’ stays and diversifying the tourism product in Aqaba and Wadi Rum. It is no longer limited to experts or astronomers, but has become a recreational and educational experience accessible to everyone.
Rum Sky Welcomes More Than 70,000 Visitors
The Rum Sky astronomical observatory in Wadi Rum was established in late 2018 and receives visitors and tourists of different nationalities on a daily basis. Its total number of visitors has exceeded 70,000 since its establishment.
Khalifat says the observatory’s annual visitor numbers are affected by the overall tourism situation in Jordan. In years when tourism is active and regional conditions are stable, the observatory receives around 15,000 tourists annually. Amid the regional circumstances witnessed in recent years, however, the figure fell to approximately 6,000 visitors per year.
Since the observatory was established in 2018, Khalifat has observed a steady increase in the number of Jordanians interested in astronomical observation. He said the proportion of Jordanian visitors was modest when the observatory first began operating, but during the summer months of 2026, most Rum Sky visitors were Jordanian citizens and residents of Jordan.
What Does the Visitor Experience at the Observatory?
The visitor’s experience at Rum Sky begins at their camp. The observatory provides transportation to and from the camps, with vehicles dispatched shortly after dinner. Transportation and logistical services are provided in cooperation with members of the local community.
Upon arrival, visitors are welcomed in the reception hall before moving to a lecture hall with a capacity of 120 people and equipped with modern presentation tools and advanced video technology.
An astronomy specialist then delivers a roughly 15-minute introduction to astronomy, designed to familiarize tourists with astronomical terms that will help them understand what they will see later.
After the lecture, visitors move to naked-eye observation assisted by a laser pointer. The astronomical guide explains how to determine directions in the desert and navigate using the stars.
The tour also covers the daily and annual movements of celestial bodies and the Sun’s path, as well as the astronomical heritage of different civilizations, particularly the rich Arab history of astronomy, in addition to the relationship between ancient Egyptian civilization and astronomy.
The final stage involves observation through advanced telescopes, with the astronomical guide selecting a number of celestial objects visible in the sky for observation.
Six Telescopes with Apertures of Up to 16 Inches
Rum Sky has a platform equipped with six telescopes, which Al-Nabulsi describes as among the largest in Jordan. Khalifat likewise says the observatory has a collection of some of the largest telescopes in the country.
According to Khalifat, the telescopes range from 5 to 16 inches in aperture and use Schmidt-Cassegrain technology. They are computerized and equipped with motorized systems to track celestial objects. The observatory uses two major telescope brands.
The observatory also includes a naked-eye observation station, in addition to a specialized mobile observation service. Mobile teams equipped with imaging and observation equipment travel to camps in Wadi Rum, Aqaba or Petra for visitors wishing to conduct observations at their own locations.
What Can Be Seen?
Khalifat says the most prominent objects visitors can observe with the naked eye in Wadi Rum include planets, the Moon, conjunctions of planets with the Moon or stars, constellations and zodiac formations, as well as meteor showers at different times throughout the year.
Through telescopes, visitors can observe the same objects visible to the naked eye, except for meteor showers, which cannot be observed through telescopes because of their speed. Telescopes also reveal more distant objects such as nebulae, stars and planetary moons. Jupiter’s moons, for example, can be clearly seen through a telescope, while the planet itself is visible to the naked eye.
Saturn also appears to the naked eye as a bright object, while a telescope allows visitors to clearly see its surrounding rings, which Khalifat says enhances the naked-eye stargazing experience.
Al-Sakji says Wadi Rum’s skies allow visitors to see constellations associated with both summer and winter skies, the Milky Way’s galactic arm and bright planets, as well as a number of nebulae, star clusters and faint celestial objects, particularly on clear nights and away from direct sources of light.
He also highlights Wadi Rum’s importance for observing lunar crescents associated with the beginnings of Hijri months, including the crescents of Ramadan, Shawwal and Dhu al-Hijjah.
The area also provides astronomy enthusiasts and astrophotographers with opportunities to document celestial phenomena and produce distinctive visual content that can promote Wadi Rum and Jordan as tourism and media destinations, further strengthening their position as promising astro-tourism destinations.
Khalifat says there is no single month or season that can be considered the best for astronomical observation in Wadi Rum because the sky changes throughout the year. What can be seen in spring differs from what appears in autumn, summer or winter.
He notes that some constellations are associated with winter while others appear during different seasons. The “river” of the Milky Way, as he describes it, is visible only during the summer months, making astronomical observation an enjoyable activity throughout the year.
Al-Sakji agrees that observation is possible during most months, with the visible celestial objects changing according to the seasons. Conditions are best on clear nights and around the new moon, when the effect of moonlight is at its lowest.
He says summer offers a particularly good opportunity to observe the Milky Way’s galactic arm and meteor showers, while winter skies feature different constellations and celestial objects, including the Orion Nebula.
Rum Sky: 80% of the Year Is Suitable for Observation
According to Rum Sky statistics, Khalifat says around 80% of the days of the year are suitable for astronomical observation, based on data collected by the observatory over roughly eight years of operations in Wadi Rum. Some days are unsuitable due to cloud cover, particularly in winter and autumn.
He also points to the lunar “bright days,” which he describes as excellent for observing the Moon but which affect the quality of observations of other celestial objects. These occur for three days each month.
Rum Sky is working on a virtual observation project for these days, which account for around 20% of the year, by simulating the stargazing experience through virtual-reality headsets. Khalifat says that once the program is completed, every day of the year will become suitable for offering an observation experience.
Al-Sakji, however, cautions against confusing the number of sunny days with the number of ideal nights for astronomical observation. He says most nights of the year can provide observation opportunities, except during periods affected by clouds, dust or unfavorable weather conditions. The general estimate is based on Jordan having around 300 sunny days annually.
He stresses that professional astronomical observation is also affected by humidity, dust, atmospheric transparency and moonlight. He therefore believes a final figure for the number of excellent astronomical observation nights each year should not be adopted before a long-term observation record is established for Wadi Rum.
He proposes establishing a permanent station to monitor sky brightness, clouds, humidity, dust and atmospheric transparency in order to eventually reach an accurate scientific figure.
Perseids Attract Stargazers
Khalifat says the sky is rich in astronomical phenomena throughout the year and that the sight of the Moon is among the most impressive and beautiful phenomena. Meteor showers are particularly appealing to Jordanians, he says, adding that different phenomena and conjunctions attract observers according to their interests. However, he considers meteor showers the biggest draw for visitors to Wadi Rum.
According to Al-Nabulsi, the annual astronomical calendar includes dozens of phenomena, including conjunctions involving planets, stars and the Moon, eclipses and meteor showers.
Some phenomena occur regularly, such as annual meteor showers, while others, including planetary and lunar conjunctions, vary in timing and calculations from one year to another.
Al-Sakji believes a wide range of astronomical events can be turned into seasonal tourism programs, particularly annual meteor showers, most notably the Perseids, as well as lunar eclipses, conjunctions, occultations, comets and bright planets.
A year-round astro-tourism calendar could be developed around these phenomena, he says, with each event linked to a program of observation, astrophotography and scientific awareness.
He also notes that Wadi Rum’s desert environment offers opportunities not only for tourism but also for conducting observations and scientific studies of various astronomical phenomena, adding a scientific and educational dimension to the tourism product.
Al-Sakji says the idea of preparing a tourism calendar around the Perseids and other meteor showers, eclipses, conjunctions, occultations and other events visible from Jordan has already been proposed.
The Perseids are particularly important for Wadi Rum because of its low levels of light pollution, wide horizons and the ability to move away from artificial lighting. These factors increase the chances of seeing larger numbers of meteors and fireballs, especially when the shower’s peak coincides with favorable astronomical conditions.
The Jordanian Astronomical Society has conducted observations of the Perseids in Wadi Rum for several years. According to the society’s 2026 data, an average of around 35 meteors per hour was recorded during one observation session, a figure Al-Sakji said is consistent with the society’s studies and astronomical observations in the area.
He believes this advantage makes the Perseids a strong candidate for evolving from an annual astronomical event into a comprehensive tourism season combining observation, astrophotography, lectures, and scientific and cultural activities.
The society’s field experience, he says, confirms Wadi Rum’s strong astronomical observation potential, particularly its low light pollution, wide horizons and suitable desert environment. Previous events have demonstrated the possibility of observing the Milky Way, planets, nebulae and star clusters using telescopes and observation equipment, reinforcing the potential for incorporating such activities into scientific and educational tourism alongside their research and astronomical value.
Nighttime Activities Extend Tourists’ Stays
Al-Nabulsi links the diversity of activities in Wadi Rum to longer tourist stays. Nighttime activities such as astronomical observation encourage visitors to remain and spend an additional night or two rather than leaving after daytime activities.
Wadi Rum offers a range of complementary activities, including jeep safari tours, camel and horseback riding, ziplining, traditional Bedouin evening gatherings, cultural experiences and hot-air balloon rides.
Al-Nabulsi says the variety of offerings encourages tourists to experience more activities, positively affecting tourism flows, the local community and the destination as a whole.
“No Tourism Project Can Succeed Without the Local Community”
Al-Nabulsi stresses that no tourism project in Wadi Rum can succeed without the effective and genuine involvement of the local community, as service providers rely on local residents for hospitality and transportation services.
In the Rum Sky model, he says all hospitality and transportation service providers, along with some observatory employees, are from Wadi Rum and Al-Disah, while the team is complemented by astronomy specialists from Aqaba and Amman.
The observatory also trains young Jordanian men and women through intensive courses in astronomy and the use and maintenance of telescopes. It also operates as an academy for training astronomical service providers for the observatory and tourist camps.
Astronomy in Arab and Bedouin Culture
According to Al-Nabulsi, the stargazing experience in Wadi Rum is connected to Jordanian, Arab and Bedouin heritage. He says Bedouins instinctively linked celestial phenomena to natural seasons, citing their use of the appearance of the star Suhail at the beginning of winter as a warning of floods and rain.
Service providers also connect astronomy with visitors’ different cultural backgrounds, including Indian culture, while introducing them to the Arab and Islamic heritage of astronomy.
Al-Nabulsi points to the pioneering role of Arabs in establishing astronomy as a science, saying that many of the brightest stars listed in academic books around the world today bear names of Arabic origin that have been altered from their original forms.
Light Pollution: The Biggest Challenge
As the activity expands, Khalifat places preserving the “quality of the night” at the forefront of what is needed to maintain Wadi Rum as an astronomical observation site. He believes this requires regulations limiting the use of excessive lighting, noting that he understands the authority is working on the issue.
Khalifat advocates astronomy-friendly lighting, particularly red or orange lighting. He says the solution lies in regulations that reduce nighttime noise and preserve Wadi Rum’s darkness. Such measures would benefit not only astronomy enthusiasts but also all tourists seeking to enjoy a peaceful night away from the noise of the city.
Al-Sakji says there are indications that light pollution is increasing in Wadi Rum, making the preservation of dark skies a priority. He warns that tourism expansion could become a source of pressure if accompanied by uncontrolled increases in lighting at camps, facilities, roads and tourist sites.
He stresses that the problem is not tourism itself, but how lighting is managed. Strong, poorly directed lighting, or lighting that remains on throughout the night, can gradually increase skyglow and affect the visibility of faint celestial objects and the Milky Way.
Al-Sakji says protection begins with adopting a lighting system suited to the area, with lamps directed downward in a cone-like manner to prevent light from escaping into the sky. He also favors warm, yellowish lighting rather than strong white light, using the minimum intensity required for safety and services, alongside the introduction of lighting standards.
He calls for reducing unnecessary lighting, using timers and sensors to switch lights off when they are not needed, establishing uniform requirements for camps, tourist facilities and roads, and creating special protection zones around the best observation sites.
Khalifat says visibility improves the farther east observers travel into the Wadi Rum desert. However, selecting observation sites requires balancing darkness, accessibility, cost and travel time. Reaching ideal sites deep in the desert can make the entire experience, including transportation there and back, exceed five hours.
For this reason, Rum Sky selected a location that offers a sufficient level of darkness while remaining close to tourist camps to facilitate transportation. Equipment can also be transported to deeper locations for smaller groups of visitors seeking what Khalifat describes as a “100% ideal” experience.
Potential for International Dark-Sky Recognition
Al-Sakji believes Wadi Rum has strong natural characteristics that qualify it to pursue international dark-sky recognition, but he stresses that the quality of the sky alone is not sufficient to obtain such accreditation.
He says a comprehensive system is required, including a scientific survey of sky brightness, continuous monitoring of light pollution, an official plan for managing outdoor lighting, compliance by camps and tourist facilities with appropriate lighting standards, as well as public awareness, observation and long-term conservation programs.
Key elements include directing lighting toward the ground, reducing upward light emissions and using warm lighting instead of strong white light. International accreditation standards, he says, link sky quality to sustainable lighting management, public awareness and demonstrable long-term commitment to protecting the nighttime environment.
He also calls for preparing a light-pollution map based on accurate field measurements, a project he says requires concerted efforts and funding.
From Wadi Rum to Space Training and Simulation
Al-Sakji believes Jordan’s signing of the Artemis Accords, led by the United States in cooperation with NASA and international partners, presents an opportunity to develop Wadi Rum and other Jordanian desert areas as potential international sites for space training and simulation.
He says the desert and geological terrain, which in some respects resembles environments on the Moon and Mars, could facilitate the establishment and development of analogue camps simulating space mission conditions. Such camps could also be used to train researchers and students and test equipment, rovers, communications and sensing systems, resource management and teamwork in isolated environments.
Through international scientific partnerships and specialized research programs, these capabilities could be leveraged to place Jordan on the regional and international map of sites dedicated to research, simulation and training related to space exploration.
“We Have Made Excellent Progress”
Khalifat believes Jordan has made “excellent progress” in astro-tourism, even compared with countries around the world, but says the experience can be developed further through virtual reality and marketing.
He considers marketing an area that requires greater focus to increase the proportion of visitors participating in the activity, noting that this percentage has been steadily rising each year. He also describes Rum Sky as the only observatory in the Middle East and North Africa specializing in the tourism sector.
He explains that there are many observatories in the region and around the world, but they are primarily university-based, academic or professional facilities. According to him, the tourist astronomical observatory in Wadi Rum is the only one in the Middle East and North Africa specializing in tourism.
Al-Sakji describes astro-tourism in Jordan as a “real treasure” that should be protected and developed. He points to growing interest in this form of tourism and says the Kingdom possesses a combination of dark desert skies, natural and archaeological sites, and cultural heritage that can create an experience distinct from conventional tourism.
Economically, Al-Sakji says the sector can help diversify the tourism product, extend visitors’ stays and create opportunities in astronomical guiding, astrophotography, education, camp management and scientific events.
The value, he says, goes beyond stargazing, as the experience can be developed into an integrated product combining tourism with science, heritage, culture, research and education.
However, transforming Wadi Rum from a suitable stargazing site into a specialized international astro-tourism destination requires, according to Al-Sakji, moving from scattered initiatives and events toward organized institutional work.
He proposes establishing a joint astronomy-tourism committee to coordinate astronomical events and phenomena with tourism programs and campaigns, linking major celestial events to local and international promotion and to tourism companies and groups.
This would also require protecting the skies from light pollution, identifying the best observation sites, training guides, developing the infrastructure needed for observation and astrophotography, and preparing an annual calendar of events.
Al-Sakji says the goal is to move beyond simply “stargazing” toward an integrated astronomical tourism experience combining scientific observation, astrophotography, Bedouin heritage, astronomical interpretation and educational activities, while highlighting Wadi Rum’s distinctive terrain and its similarities to the Moon and Mars.
A National Astro-Tourism Route
Al-Sakji does not limit Jordan’s astro-tourism potential to Wadi Rum. He identifies other promising locations, including Azraq, Qasr Amra, Qasr Al-Harrana, the Jordanian Astronomical Society’s camp in Azraq and Barqa Nature Reserve.
He says the society’s camp in Azraq has a long history of astronomical activity, while light-pollution measurements indicate that desert areas in eastern Jordan are suitable for observation, although their infrastructure needs support, maintenance and further development.
He believes it is possible to establish a national astro-tourism route linking Wadi Rum with selected sites in the eastern Badia, Azraq and the desert castles.
Not every stop would need to offer the same experience, according to Al-Sakji. Some could focus on dark skies and the Milky Way, others on camps and scientific observation, while additional sites could emphasize the relationship between astronomy, heritage and archaeology. This diversity could transform astro-tourism into a national tourism product rather than one tied to a single location.
Al-Sakji considers astronomical training for tour guides essential to enhancing the astro-tourism experience and transforming it from a fleeting view of the stars into a reliable educational experience.
At a minimum, he says, service providers should be able to identify visible constellations, planets and celestial objects, understand the apparent movement of the sky, operate telescopes and basic observation equipment, and understand the principles of light pollution and safety during astronomical observation.
This experience builds on an established tourism base that attracts more than half a million overnight visitors in many years. Thabet Al-Nabulsi, Tourism and Youth Commissioner at the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), estimates that around 50% or more of tourists make use of astronomical and nighttime services. He noted, however, that there are currently no precise statistics measuring their economic impact. Specialists meanwhile place protecting dark skies and limiting light pollution at the forefront of requirements for preserving and developing this tourism product.
Three Key Advantages
Al-Nabulsi believes Wadi Rum has three key advantages that qualify it to become one of the world’s top destinations for astronomical observation. The first is the darkness of its night skies, resulting from the area’s distance from sources of light pollution.
The second is that Wadi Rum is an established tourist destination in its own right, receiving more than half a million overnight visitors in many years, including international, Arab and Jordanian tourists. The third is the beauty of its landscape and natural surroundings, giving visitors an experience that combines enjoying the desert by day and night with the beauty of the night sky.
Al-Nabulsi says the combination of these three characteristics is found in very few places around the world. He also points to the clarity of the skies and the near absence of light pollution due to the desert environment, noting that light pollution approaches zero in the deepest parts of the desert, while the skies remain clear on most days of the year.
Fayez Khalifat, founder of the Rum Sky Tourist Astronomical Observatory in Wadi Rum, says the area is distinguished astronomically by three natural characteristics: the darkness of the night sky, its elevation above sea level—which improves astronomical observation conditions—and its weather, with relatively few days affected by heavy cloud cover or dust.
Between Levels 2 and 3 on the Bortle Scale
On the Bortle dark-sky scale, Khalifat says Wadi Rum falls between levels 2 and 3. The scale consists of nine levels, with Level 1 representing the darkest skies and Level 9 the least dark, where light pollution is extremely high.
According to Khalifat, the level varies depending on the location within Wadi Rum. Some areas reach Level 2 and are extremely dark, while others register Level 3, which still represents a high degree of darkness, although slightly lower.
Amar Al-Sakji, president of the Jordanian Astronomical Society, says the society’s preliminary measurements of light pollution in some parts of Wadi Rum indicate Level 3 on the Bortle scale. He noted that the figure is changing due to the increasing and uncontrolled use of lighting, underscoring the need to preserve the darkness of the skies and establish lighting standards.
From a Specialized Observatory to Night Walks
Stargazing and astronomical observation services in Wadi Rum fall into three main categories, according to Al-Nabulsi. The first is a specialized astronomical observatory that provides professional and independent services outside the camps. The second consists of camps that have acquired their own telescopes and now offer astronomical activities to their guests and visitors.
The third is the night-walking experience, which Al-Nabulsi describes as simple yet rich. Guides accompany visitors, explain the beauty of the night sky and observe it with them with the naked eye, without the use of technology.
Tourist camps, particularly star camps and glass and panoramic dome camps, have also contributed to the development of the activity by providing telescopes and specialized guides to explain constellations to visitors.
Al-Nabulsi links the growth of the activity to public-private partnerships, including government and regulatory support from ASEZA, alongside private-sector investment in specialized tourist camps and the provision of astronomical equipment and guides. He said the authority is promoting the area as an integrated tourism hub combining adventure, tranquility, nature exploration and stargazing.
He believes the activity has become part of Wadi Rum’s identity and a major reason visitors from different countries choose to spend nights in the desert. Astronomical observation has also become a key factor in extending tourists’ stays and diversifying the tourism product in Aqaba and Wadi Rum. It is no longer limited to experts or astronomers, but has become a recreational and educational experience accessible to everyone.
Rum Sky Welcomes More Than 70,000 Visitors
The Rum Sky astronomical observatory in Wadi Rum was established in late 2018 and receives visitors and tourists of different nationalities on a daily basis. Its total number of visitors has exceeded 70,000 since its establishment.
Khalifat says the observatory’s annual visitor numbers are affected by the overall tourism situation in Jordan. In years when tourism is active and regional conditions are stable, the observatory receives around 15,000 tourists annually. Amid the regional circumstances witnessed in recent years, however, the figure fell to approximately 6,000 visitors per year.
Since the observatory was established in 2018, Khalifat has observed a steady increase in the number of Jordanians interested in astronomical observation. He said the proportion of Jordanian visitors was modest when the observatory first began operating, but during the summer months of 2026, most Rum Sky visitors were Jordanian citizens and residents of Jordan.
What Does the Visitor Experience at the Observatory?
The visitor’s experience at Rum Sky begins at their camp. The observatory provides transportation to and from the camps, with vehicles dispatched shortly after dinner. Transportation and logistical services are provided in cooperation with members of the local community.
Upon arrival, visitors are welcomed in the reception hall before moving to a lecture hall with a capacity of 120 people and equipped with modern presentation tools and advanced video technology.
An astronomy specialist then delivers a roughly 15-minute introduction to astronomy, designed to familiarize tourists with astronomical terms that will help them understand what they will see later.
After the lecture, visitors move to naked-eye observation assisted by a laser pointer. The astronomical guide explains how to determine directions in the desert and navigate using the stars.
The tour also covers the daily and annual movements of celestial bodies and the Sun’s path, as well as the astronomical heritage of different civilizations, particularly the rich Arab history of astronomy, in addition to the relationship between ancient Egyptian civilization and astronomy.
The final stage involves observation through advanced telescopes, with the astronomical guide selecting a number of celestial objects visible in the sky for observation.
Six Telescopes with Apertures of Up to 16 Inches
Rum Sky has a platform equipped with six telescopes, which Al-Nabulsi describes as among the largest in Jordan. Khalifat likewise says the observatory has a collection of some of the largest telescopes in the country.
According to Khalifat, the telescopes range from 5 to 16 inches in aperture and use Schmidt-Cassegrain technology. They are computerized and equipped with motorized systems to track celestial objects. The observatory uses two major telescope brands.
The observatory also includes a naked-eye observation station, in addition to a specialized mobile observation service. Mobile teams equipped with imaging and observation equipment travel to camps in Wadi Rum, Aqaba or Petra for visitors wishing to conduct observations at their own locations.
What Can Be Seen?
Khalifat says the most prominent objects visitors can observe with the naked eye in Wadi Rum include planets, the Moon, conjunctions of planets with the Moon or stars, constellations and zodiac formations, as well as meteor showers at different times throughout the year.
Through telescopes, visitors can observe the same objects visible to the naked eye, except for meteor showers, which cannot be observed through telescopes because of their speed. Telescopes also reveal more distant objects such as nebulae, stars and planetary moons. Jupiter’s moons, for example, can be clearly seen through a telescope, while the planet itself is visible to the naked eye.
Saturn also appears to the naked eye as a bright object, while a telescope allows visitors to clearly see its surrounding rings, which Khalifat says enhances the naked-eye stargazing experience.
Al-Sakji says Wadi Rum’s skies allow visitors to see constellations associated with both summer and winter skies, the Milky Way’s galactic arm and bright planets, as well as a number of nebulae, star clusters and faint celestial objects, particularly on clear nights and away from direct sources of light.
He also highlights Wadi Rum’s importance for observing lunar crescents associated with the beginnings of Hijri months, including the crescents of Ramadan, Shawwal and Dhu al-Hijjah.
The area also provides astronomy enthusiasts and astrophotographers with opportunities to document celestial phenomena and produce distinctive visual content that can promote Wadi Rum and Jordan as tourism and media destinations, further strengthening their position as promising astro-tourism destinations.
Khalifat says there is no single month or season that can be considered the best for astronomical observation in Wadi Rum because the sky changes throughout the year. What can be seen in spring differs from what appears in autumn, summer or winter.
He notes that some constellations are associated with winter while others appear during different seasons. The “river” of the Milky Way, as he describes it, is visible only during the summer months, making astronomical observation an enjoyable activity throughout the year.
Al-Sakji agrees that observation is possible during most months, with the visible celestial objects changing according to the seasons. Conditions are best on clear nights and around the new moon, when the effect of moonlight is at its lowest.
He says summer offers a particularly good opportunity to observe the Milky Way’s galactic arm and meteor showers, while winter skies feature different constellations and celestial objects, including the Orion Nebula.
Rum Sky: 80% of the Year Is Suitable for Observation
According to Rum Sky statistics, Khalifat says around 80% of the days of the year are suitable for astronomical observation, based on data collected by the observatory over roughly eight years of operations in Wadi Rum. Some days are unsuitable due to cloud cover, particularly in winter and autumn.
He also points to the lunar “bright days,” which he describes as excellent for observing the Moon but which affect the quality of observations of other celestial objects. These occur for three days each month.
Rum Sky is working on a virtual observation project for these days, which account for around 20% of the year, by simulating the stargazing experience through virtual-reality headsets. Khalifat says that once the program is completed, every day of the year will become suitable for offering an observation experience.
Al-Sakji, however, cautions against confusing the number of sunny days with the number of ideal nights for astronomical observation. He says most nights of the year can provide observation opportunities, except during periods affected by clouds, dust or unfavorable weather conditions. The general estimate is based on Jordan having around 300 sunny days annually.
He stresses that professional astronomical observation is also affected by humidity, dust, atmospheric transparency and moonlight. He therefore believes a final figure for the number of excellent astronomical observation nights each year should not be adopted before a long-term observation record is established for Wadi Rum.
He proposes establishing a permanent station to monitor sky brightness, clouds, humidity, dust and atmospheric transparency in order to eventually reach an accurate scientific figure.
Perseids Attract Stargazers
Khalifat says the sky is rich in astronomical phenomena throughout the year and that the sight of the Moon is among the most impressive and beautiful phenomena. Meteor showers are particularly appealing to Jordanians, he says, adding that different phenomena and conjunctions attract observers according to their interests. However, he considers meteor showers the biggest draw for visitors to Wadi Rum.
According to Al-Nabulsi, the annual astronomical calendar includes dozens of phenomena, including conjunctions involving planets, stars and the Moon, eclipses and meteor showers.
Some phenomena occur regularly, such as annual meteor showers, while others, including planetary and lunar conjunctions, vary in timing and calculations from one year to another.
Al-Sakji believes a wide range of astronomical events can be turned into seasonal tourism programs, particularly annual meteor showers, most notably the Perseids, as well as lunar eclipses, conjunctions, occultations, comets and bright planets.
A year-round astro-tourism calendar could be developed around these phenomena, he says, with each event linked to a program of observation, astrophotography and scientific awareness.
He also notes that Wadi Rum’s desert environment offers opportunities not only for tourism but also for conducting observations and scientific studies of various astronomical phenomena, adding a scientific and educational dimension to the tourism product.
Al-Sakji says the idea of preparing a tourism calendar around the Perseids and other meteor showers, eclipses, conjunctions, occultations and other events visible from Jordan has already been proposed.
The Perseids are particularly important for Wadi Rum because of its low levels of light pollution, wide horizons and the ability to move away from artificial lighting. These factors increase the chances of seeing larger numbers of meteors and fireballs, especially when the shower’s peak coincides with favorable astronomical conditions.
The Jordanian Astronomical Society has conducted observations of the Perseids in Wadi Rum for several years. According to the society’s 2026 data, an average of around 35 meteors per hour was recorded during one observation session, a figure Al-Sakji said is consistent with the society’s studies and astronomical observations in the area.
He believes this advantage makes the Perseids a strong candidate for evolving from an annual astronomical event into a comprehensive tourism season combining observation, astrophotography, lectures, and scientific and cultural activities.
The society’s field experience, he says, confirms Wadi Rum’s strong astronomical observation potential, particularly its low light pollution, wide horizons and suitable desert environment. Previous events have demonstrated the possibility of observing the Milky Way, planets, nebulae and star clusters using telescopes and observation equipment, reinforcing the potential for incorporating such activities into scientific and educational tourism alongside their research and astronomical value.
Nighttime Activities Extend Tourists’ Stays
Al-Nabulsi links the diversity of activities in Wadi Rum to longer tourist stays. Nighttime activities such as astronomical observation encourage visitors to remain and spend an additional night or two rather than leaving after daytime activities.
Wadi Rum offers a range of complementary activities, including jeep safari tours, camel and horseback riding, ziplining, traditional Bedouin evening gatherings, cultural experiences and hot-air balloon rides.
Al-Nabulsi says the variety of offerings encourages tourists to experience more activities, positively affecting tourism flows, the local community and the destination as a whole.
“No Tourism Project Can Succeed Without the Local Community”
Al-Nabulsi stresses that no tourism project in Wadi Rum can succeed without the effective and genuine involvement of the local community, as service providers rely on local residents for hospitality and transportation services.
In the Rum Sky model, he says all hospitality and transportation service providers, along with some observatory employees, are from Wadi Rum and Al-Disah, while the team is complemented by astronomy specialists from Aqaba and Amman.
The observatory also trains young Jordanian men and women through intensive courses in astronomy and the use and maintenance of telescopes. It also operates as an academy for training astronomical service providers for the observatory and tourist camps.
Astronomy in Arab and Bedouin Culture
According to Al-Nabulsi, the stargazing experience in Wadi Rum is connected to Jordanian, Arab and Bedouin heritage. He says Bedouins instinctively linked celestial phenomena to natural seasons, citing their use of the appearance of the star Suhail at the beginning of winter as a warning of floods and rain.
Service providers also connect astronomy with visitors’ different cultural backgrounds, including Indian culture, while introducing them to the Arab and Islamic heritage of astronomy.
Al-Nabulsi points to the pioneering role of Arabs in establishing astronomy as a science, saying that many of the brightest stars listed in academic books around the world today bear names of Arabic origin that have been altered from their original forms.
Light Pollution: The Biggest Challenge
As the activity expands, Khalifat places preserving the “quality of the night” at the forefront of what is needed to maintain Wadi Rum as an astronomical observation site. He believes this requires regulations limiting the use of excessive lighting, noting that he understands the authority is working on the issue.
Khalifat advocates astronomy-friendly lighting, particularly red or orange lighting. He says the solution lies in regulations that reduce nighttime noise and preserve Wadi Rum’s darkness. Such measures would benefit not only astronomy enthusiasts but also all tourists seeking to enjoy a peaceful night away from the noise of the city.
Al-Sakji says there are indications that light pollution is increasing in Wadi Rum, making the preservation of dark skies a priority. He warns that tourism expansion could become a source of pressure if accompanied by uncontrolled increases in lighting at camps, facilities, roads and tourist sites.
He stresses that the problem is not tourism itself, but how lighting is managed. Strong, poorly directed lighting, or lighting that remains on throughout the night, can gradually increase skyglow and affect the visibility of faint celestial objects and the Milky Way.
Al-Sakji says protection begins with adopting a lighting system suited to the area, with lamps directed downward in a cone-like manner to prevent light from escaping into the sky. He also favors warm, yellowish lighting rather than strong white light, using the minimum intensity required for safety and services, alongside the introduction of lighting standards.
He calls for reducing unnecessary lighting, using timers and sensors to switch lights off when they are not needed, establishing uniform requirements for camps, tourist facilities and roads, and creating special protection zones around the best observation sites.
Khalifat says visibility improves the farther east observers travel into the Wadi Rum desert. However, selecting observation sites requires balancing darkness, accessibility, cost and travel time. Reaching ideal sites deep in the desert can make the entire experience, including transportation there and back, exceed five hours.
For this reason, Rum Sky selected a location that offers a sufficient level of darkness while remaining close to tourist camps to facilitate transportation. Equipment can also be transported to deeper locations for smaller groups of visitors seeking what Khalifat describes as a “100% ideal” experience.
Potential for International Dark-Sky Recognition
Al-Sakji believes Wadi Rum has strong natural characteristics that qualify it to pursue international dark-sky recognition, but he stresses that the quality of the sky alone is not sufficient to obtain such accreditation.
He says a comprehensive system is required, including a scientific survey of sky brightness, continuous monitoring of light pollution, an official plan for managing outdoor lighting, compliance by camps and tourist facilities with appropriate lighting standards, as well as public awareness, observation and long-term conservation programs.
Key elements include directing lighting toward the ground, reducing upward light emissions and using warm lighting instead of strong white light. International accreditation standards, he says, link sky quality to sustainable lighting management, public awareness and demonstrable long-term commitment to protecting the nighttime environment.
He also calls for preparing a light-pollution map based on accurate field measurements, a project he says requires concerted efforts and funding.
From Wadi Rum to Space Training and Simulation
Al-Sakji believes Jordan’s signing of the Artemis Accords, led by the United States in cooperation with NASA and international partners, presents an opportunity to develop Wadi Rum and other Jordanian desert areas as potential international sites for space training and simulation.
He says the desert and geological terrain, which in some respects resembles environments on the Moon and Mars, could facilitate the establishment and development of analogue camps simulating space mission conditions. Such camps could also be used to train researchers and students and test equipment, rovers, communications and sensing systems, resource management and teamwork in isolated environments.
Through international scientific partnerships and specialized research programs, these capabilities could be leveraged to place Jordan on the regional and international map of sites dedicated to research, simulation and training related to space exploration.
“We Have Made Excellent Progress”
Khalifat believes Jordan has made “excellent progress” in astro-tourism, even compared with countries around the world, but says the experience can be developed further through virtual reality and marketing.
He considers marketing an area that requires greater focus to increase the proportion of visitors participating in the activity, noting that this percentage has been steadily rising each year. He also describes Rum Sky as the only observatory in the Middle East and North Africa specializing in the tourism sector.
He explains that there are many observatories in the region and around the world, but they are primarily university-based, academic or professional facilities. According to him, the tourist astronomical observatory in Wadi Rum is the only one in the Middle East and North Africa specializing in tourism.
Al-Sakji describes astro-tourism in Jordan as a “real treasure” that should be protected and developed. He points to growing interest in this form of tourism and says the Kingdom possesses a combination of dark desert skies, natural and archaeological sites, and cultural heritage that can create an experience distinct from conventional tourism.
Economically, Al-Sakji says the sector can help diversify the tourism product, extend visitors’ stays and create opportunities in astronomical guiding, astrophotography, education, camp management and scientific events.
The value, he says, goes beyond stargazing, as the experience can be developed into an integrated product combining tourism with science, heritage, culture, research and education.
However, transforming Wadi Rum from a suitable stargazing site into a specialized international astro-tourism destination requires, according to Al-Sakji, moving from scattered initiatives and events toward organized institutional work.
He proposes establishing a joint astronomy-tourism committee to coordinate astronomical events and phenomena with tourism programs and campaigns, linking major celestial events to local and international promotion and to tourism companies and groups.
This would also require protecting the skies from light pollution, identifying the best observation sites, training guides, developing the infrastructure needed for observation and astrophotography, and preparing an annual calendar of events.
Al-Sakji says the goal is to move beyond simply “stargazing” toward an integrated astronomical tourism experience combining scientific observation, astrophotography, Bedouin heritage, astronomical interpretation and educational activities, while highlighting Wadi Rum’s distinctive terrain and its similarities to the Moon and Mars.
A National Astro-Tourism Route
Al-Sakji does not limit Jordan’s astro-tourism potential to Wadi Rum. He identifies other promising locations, including Azraq, Qasr Amra, Qasr Al-Harrana, the Jordanian Astronomical Society’s camp in Azraq and Barqa Nature Reserve.
He says the society’s camp in Azraq has a long history of astronomical activity, while light-pollution measurements indicate that desert areas in eastern Jordan are suitable for observation, although their infrastructure needs support, maintenance and further development.
He believes it is possible to establish a national astro-tourism route linking Wadi Rum with selected sites in the eastern Badia, Azraq and the desert castles.
Not every stop would need to offer the same experience, according to Al-Sakji. Some could focus on dark skies and the Milky Way, others on camps and scientific observation, while additional sites could emphasize the relationship between astronomy, heritage and archaeology. This diversity could transform astro-tourism into a national tourism product rather than one tied to a single location.
Al-Sakji considers astronomical training for tour guides essential to enhancing the astro-tourism experience and transforming it from a fleeting view of the stars into a reliable educational experience.
At a minimum, he says, service providers should be able to identify visible constellations, planets and celestial objects, understand the apparent movement of the sky, operate telescopes and basic observation equipment, and understand the principles of light pollution and safety during astronomical observation.
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