Milky Way Illuminates Rafha desert skies in spectacular celestial display

Milky Way Illuminates Rafha desert skies in spectacular celestial display

02:29 PM, July 12, 2026

The celestial display attracted attention from astronomers and photographers due to the rare clarity of the night sky.

July 12, 2026 | 02:29 PM

Saudi Gazette

Last Updated: July 12, 2026 | 02:29 PM

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RAFHA — The Milky Way's arm illuminated the skies over Umm Al-Asafir, south of Rafha, in a captivating astronomical display on Saturday night.

Observers spotted the Milky Way glowing brilliantly above Umm Al-Asafir, roughly 60 km south of Rafha, with its distinctive arm extending across the heavens.

Perfectly clear skies and minimal light pollution provided optimal conditions for stargazing and astrophotography.

Speaking to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Burgis Al-Fulaih, a member of the Afaq Astronomy Society, said the scene showcased the dense expanse of the Milky Way's arm across the center of the sky, with thousands of stars and stellar clouds standing out vividly.

Al-Fulaih noted that the beginning and end of each lunar month during July, August, September, and October are among the best times to observe the Milky Way.

During these periods, the absence of moonlight—or its reduced brightness—increases the galaxy's contrast, making its features more visible and creating ideal conditions for astronomy enthusiasts and astrophotographers.

He added that the desert's low light pollution, open horizons, and clear skies make it one of the best environments for observing astronomical phenomena with the naked eye or through telescopes.

Desert regions like Rafha offer some of the darkest skies, making them prime locations for observing celestial events. The timing around the new moon in upcoming months will continue to favor Milky Way viewing, according to experts.