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In pictures: Scenes from Wadi Rum's meteor shower
A night of astronomical marvels
Sarah Shabbar, Jordan News
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AMMAN — The
tranquil desert landscape of Wadi Rum became a celestial theater over the
weekend as a group of star enthusiasts gathered to witness the Perseid meteor
shower. Among them was Katie Billheimer, a 31-year-old graphic designer and
photographer hailing from Raleigh, North Carolina, now residing in Amman.اضافة اعلان
Billheimer's childhood memories of gazing at the Perseids from her backyard in North Carolina had prepared her for a spectacular show in the heart of Jordan's desert. This annual meteor shower, renowned for its dazzling display of shooting stars, unfolded against the backdrop of Wadi Rum's unspoiled skies.
Accompanied by the experienced team of JoNavigators, an adventure group specializing in all terrestrial expeditions, Billheimer embarked on a journey to Wadi Rum. The draw was not only the desert's stark beauty but also its minimal light pollution, a critical factor in optimizing the viewing experience during the meteor shower's peak weekend.
Arriving at Salem Camp, the group settled in as anticipation built. Following a hearty dinner, the camp's lights were switched off, plunging the area into darkness that allowed the celestial wonders to take center stage. An astronomy expert, Abdallah Alshmali guided the attendees through the cosmic wonders overhead, drawing their attention to constellations, stars, and their cultural significance across different civilizations.
Underneath the sprawling canvas of the night sky, the audience was treated to an astronomical spectacle that seemed straight out of a science fiction movie. Meteors streaked across the heavens, igniting the darkness with their brief, incandescent trails. The desert night became a concert of shooting stars, punctuating the deep indigo expanse above.
A sleepless nightKatie Billheimer recounted her astonishment, "I think I probably saw from 20 to 30 meteors, as well as several planets, and of course the Milky Way. It was a stunning night being reminded of how small we are and how amazing our universe is. Needless to say, many of us didn't sleep much."
As the meteors painted luminous arcs across the sky, the group was granted a humbling perspective on their place within the vast cosmos. This celestial communion served as a reminder of the extraordinary universe that exists beyond our planet's boundaries, inspiring a sense of wonder and awe among all who bore witness.
The Perseid meteor shower, an annual event occurring each August, has the power to unite people across the globe in their shared appreciation for the cosmos. For Billheimer and her fellow stargazers, Wadi Rum's serene desert landscape provided the perfect stage for this remarkable celestial performance, etching a memory that will undoubtedly remain vivid for years to come.
Read more Around Jordan
Jordan News
Billheimer's childhood memories of gazing at the Perseids from her backyard in North Carolina had prepared her for a spectacular show in the heart of Jordan's desert. This annual meteor shower, renowned for its dazzling display of shooting stars, unfolded against the backdrop of Wadi Rum's unspoiled skies.
Accompanied by the experienced team of JoNavigators, an adventure group specializing in all terrestrial expeditions, Billheimer embarked on a journey to Wadi Rum. The draw was not only the desert's stark beauty but also its minimal light pollution, a critical factor in optimizing the viewing experience during the meteor shower's peak weekend.
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Arriving at Salem Camp, the group settled in as anticipation built. Following a hearty dinner, the camp's lights were switched off, plunging the area into darkness that allowed the celestial wonders to take center stage. An astronomy expert, Abdallah Alshmali guided the attendees through the cosmic wonders overhead, drawing their attention to constellations, stars, and their cultural significance across different civilizations.
Underneath the sprawling canvas of the night sky, the audience was treated to an astronomical spectacle that seemed straight out of a science fiction movie. Meteors streaked across the heavens, igniting the darkness with their brief, incandescent trails. The desert night became a concert of shooting stars, punctuating the deep indigo expanse above.
A sleepless nightKatie Billheimer recounted her astonishment, "I think I probably saw from 20 to 30 meteors, as well as several planets, and of course the Milky Way. It was a stunning night being reminded of how small we are and how amazing our universe is. Needless to say, many of us didn't sleep much."
As the meteors painted luminous arcs across the sky, the group was granted a humbling perspective on their place within the vast cosmos. This celestial communion served as a reminder of the extraordinary universe that exists beyond our planet's boundaries, inspiring a sense of wonder and awe among all who bore witness.
The Perseid meteor shower, an annual event occurring each August, has the power to unite people across the globe in their shared appreciation for the cosmos. For Billheimer and her fellow stargazers, Wadi Rum's serene desert landscape provided the perfect stage for this remarkable celestial performance, etching a memory that will undoubtedly remain vivid for years to come.
Read more Around Jordan
Jordan News
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