Karmactive Staff
A photograph captured in Saudi Arabia’s AlUla region has earned global recognition as NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD) on August 25, 2025. The image titled “The Meteor and the Star Cluster” marks the first time a photograph from AlUla has been featured on NASA’s prestigious platform.
The striking photograph shows a bright meteor with a distinctive green trail crossing the famous Pleiades star cluster (M45) during an hour-long exposure. NASA’s description notes that the green glow was “likely due to vaporized metals” from the fast-moving rock fragment.
Photographers Yousif Alqasimi and Essa Al Jasmi captured the image between Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Gharameel Nature Reserve. Both locations hold a special “Dark Sky” designation from DarkSky International, making them the first such certified sites in the Arabian Gulf region.
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“Sometimes even the sky surprises you,” NASA wrote in its description of the image. The space agency explained that while long exposures often capture unwanted elements like satellite trails or airplane paths, occasionally something unexpected becomes the highlight.
AlUla’s exceptionally clear night skies have earned it a place among the top 5% of observing sites worldwide for darkness and minimal light pollution. This recognition confirms what astronomers and stargazers have known – AlUla offers prime conditions for both serious astronomy work and astro-tourism.
The pristine viewing conditions didn’t happen by accident. Organizations like Manarat AlUla have implemented specific measures to preserve the dark sky environment, including lighting regulations that prevent light pollution from affecting visibility.
“This achievement is credited to the support of Manarat AlUla, the entity responsible for preserving the region’s pristine night-sky environment and enhancing its global position in sky exploration and astrophotography,” reported the Saudi Press Agency.
The APOD feature aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 tourism strategy, which includes developing astro-tourism as part of broader efforts to diversify the country’s tourism offerings. The region now attracts both amateur stargazers and professional astronomers seeking ideal observation conditions.
For those planning a visit, the Hegra-Gharameel corridor offers guided night tours where visitors can observe constellations and planets while learning how ancient civilizations used the stars for navigation. The area’s historical significance as a key stop on ancient trade routes adds cultural depth to the astronomical experience.
This international recognition by NASA is expected to further boost interest in AlUla’s dark skies and strengthen Saudi Arabia’s growing reputation as a destination where science and tourism intersect.
