Peak Milky Way viewing conditions began across the Arab world overnight and are expected to continue through the end of May, aided by dark skies and favorable atmospheric conditions.
The Jeddah Astronomy Society said the moon’s transition to its new phase on May 16 will create optimal conditions for observing the Milky Way from midnight until dawn, as reduced lunar light improves visibility of the galaxy.
Astronomers said the best conditions occur under Bortle scale 1–3 skies - areas with minimal light pollution - such as remote deserts and mountainous regions in Saudi Arabia.
During this period, the bright band of the Milky Way and dense cosmic dust clouds near the Scorpius and Sagittarius constellations can be seen with the naked eye.
The prime observation window runs from May 15 to May 23, although suitable viewing conditions are expected to persist through late May.
Experts advised skywatchers to observe from locations at least 30 to 100 kilometers away from city lights and to allow about 20 minutes for their eyes to adapt to darkness while avoiding the use of mobile phone screens.
