JEDDAH: The Arab world has entered a peak period for Milky Way observation, a window that will remain open through late May.
According to the Jeddah Astronomy Society, the moon’s transition to its new phase on May 16 will provide the exceptionally dark skies needed to view the galaxy from midnight until dawn.
Optimal visibility is driven by the absence of lunar light, the high position of the galactic center and atmospheric stability.
Under Bortle scale 1–3 conditions found in Saudi Arabia’s remote deserts and highlands, the silvery galactic band and cosmic dust near the Scorpius and Sagittarius constellations become visible to the naked eye.
The best viewing window is May 15–23, though favorable conditions persist through the end of the month.
