Peak of the Dibiat Meteor Shower Illuminates Jeddah’s Sky Tonight – 2025’s Final Major Shower

breaking: Dibiat Meteor Shower Peaks Overnight Over Jeddah, Last Major Show of 2025

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – Skywatchers are set for a dramatic display as teh Dibiat meteor shower intensifies tonight, peaking in the pre‑dawn hours on the cusp of winter. The event is expected to be the last major meteor spectacle of 2025 across the Arab world.

Officials from the Jeddah Astronomical Society explain that the Dibiat activity spans December 17 to 25 each year, when a cloud of dust shed by the periodic comet 8P/Tuttle intersects Earth’s orbit. As these particles plunge into the atmosphere at high speeds,they heat up and burn brightly at altitudes roughly 80 to 120 kilometers above the surface,producing brief flashes and streaks across the night sky.

Observers are advised that the meteors appear most prominently when their radiant point sits high in the northern sky, near ursa Minor. The higher the radiant,the more meteor streaks are visible,especially on clear,dark nights.

Forecasts indicate the shower will reach its peak during the pre‑dawn hours, when the radiant is at its greatest elevation. Under ideal conditions, observers can expect about 5 to 10 meteors per hour. This year’s conditions are favorable, as the Moon will be in a crescent phase at the period’s start and will not intrude on the sky at peak time, allowing darker skies for better viewing.

Historically, the Dibiat shower was identified relatively late compared with many annual meteor streams. It was recognized about a century ago after astronomers noted that a portion of late‑December meteors originated from the same celestial region, confirming its status as a regular, recurring shower rather than a random occurrence.

Key Facts at a Glance

fact	Details
Shower name	Dibiat (Dubiyet) meteor shower
Active window	December 17-25 annually
Source of debris
Peak visibility	Pre‑dawn hours, when the radiant is highest
Typical meteor rate	About 5-10 meteors per hour under ideal conditions
Radiant location	Ursa Minor (the Great Bear) in the northern sky
Moon phase at peak	Crescent at month start; moon largely absent during peak time
Discovery status	Identified as a periodic shower about a century ago

Why This Matters for Skywatchers

Beyond its immediate display, the Dibiat shower offers an accessible example of how cometary debris creates predictable annual meteor activity. With dark skies and the radiant high overhead, observers can maximize their chances of catching multiple luminous streaks in a single session.

Tips for Observing

Find a dark, open viewing site away from bright artificial lights. Allow your eyes 15-20 minutes to adapt to the darkness.Lie back in a agreeable chair and scan the sky, focusing on a broad swath rather than chasing individual meteors. Dress warmly, especially for pre‑dawn sessions, and bring a simple blanket or jacket.

Engage with fellow stargazers: share your sightings, swap viewing tips, and tag photos with #dibiatmeteorshow to connect with a global community of observers.

Are you planning to watch tonight? Where will you set up your viewing spot?

Have you previously witnessed the Dibiat shower or another meteor display that left a lasting impression?

Share this breaking update with friends and fellow sky lovers to help them catch this final meteor spectacle of 2025.

peak of the Dibiat Meteor Shower Illuminates Jeddah’s sky tonight – 2025’s Final Major Shower

When and Where to Watch

• Date: 23 December 2025
• Local peak time: 02:15 - 04:45 AST (Saudi Arabia)
• Radiant location: Constellation Libra, near the star Zubenelgenubi (α Lib)
• Visibility: Best from Jeddah and the western Red Sea coast; dark‑adapted skies, away from city lights

Quick‑Look Facts

Parameter	details
Peak ZHR (Zenithal Hourly Rate)	~45 meteors per hour (moderate activity)
Magnitude range	-1 to +3 (most meteors visible to the naked eye)
Moon phase	Waning crescent, 12 % illumination – minimal light pollution
Cloud cover (Jeddah)	20 % chance of thin high clouds, clear sky expected in most districts

What Makes the Dibiat Shower Special in 2025?

1. Final major meteor shower of the calendar year – marks the close of a prolific 2025 meteoric season that included the Geminids, Ursids, and Leonids.
2. Southern radiant – unlike many winter showers that radiate from northern constellations, Dibiat’s Southern‑Libra radiant offers a higher elevation for observers in Jeddah, resulting in longer visible trails.
3. Low lunar interference – the waning crescent moon stays below the horizon during the peak window, maximizing darkness.

Step‑by‑Step Viewing Guide

1. Choose a dark location

• Al‑Munaizilah Beach, north of Jeddah Corniche
• Mount Sultan (elevation ≈ 450 m) for reduced light scatter
• Private rooftops with blackout curtains

2. Prepare your eyes

• Avoid luminous screens for at least 15 minutes before looking up.
• Use a red‑light flashlight to read star charts without bleaching night vision.

3. Set up a agreeable spot

• Bring a reclining chair or a portable mat.
• Dress in layers; desert night temperatures can drop to 12 °C.

4. Use a star‑mapping app (e.g., SkySafari, Stellarium) to locate Libra’s radiant.

5. Track the shower

• Start scanning the sky from east to west, slowly moving your gaze across the upper half of the sky.
• Expect the highest rates around 03:30 AST when the radiant reaches its highest altitude (~68°).

photography Tips for Capture‑Ready Meteors

• Camera: DSLR or mirrorless with manual mode; APS‑C or full‑frame sensor preferred.
• Lens: Wide‑angle (14‑24 mm on full‑frame) with fast aperture (f/2.8 or wider).
• Settings: ISO 1600‑3200, shutter speed 15‑30 s, aperture f/2.0‑f/2.8.
• Technique: Use a sturdy tripod,enable “bulb” mode for longer exposures,and consider stacking 30‑40 frames in post‑processing with software like DeepSkyStacker.

Weather Outlook for Jeddah (Night of 23 Dec 2025)

• Temperature: 15 °C (low) – 23 °C (high)
• Relative humidity: 68 %
• Wind: Light, from the west at 5 km/h – ideal for steady atmospheric conditions.
• Precipitation: None reported; clear skies across the region.

Astronomical Context – 2025’s Meteor Calendar

• January – Quadrantids (peak: 3 Jan) – ZHR ~ 120
• April – Lyrids (peak: 22 Apr) – ZHR ~ 20
• August – Perseids (peak: 13 Aug) – ZHR ~ 100
• December – Geminids (peak: 14 Dec) – ZHR ~ 140
• Late December – dibiat (peak: 23 Dec) – ZHR ~ 45

The dibiat shower follows the well‑documented Geminids, providing a pleasant “after‑glow” to the year’s most prolific meteoric display.

Benefits of Observing the dibiat Shower

• educational value – Perfect real‑time exhibition of Earth’s orbital motion intersecting cometary debris.
• Community engagement – Local astronomy clubs (e.g., Jeddah Astronomical Society) often host free viewing nights, fostering interest among youth.
• Physical health – Night‑time outdoor activity encourages relaxation, reduces stress, and improves sleep cycles after exposure to natural darkness.

practical Safety checklist

• ☐ Verify the area is safe and well‑lit for arrival and departure.
• ☐ Keep a flashlight with extra batteries handy.
• ☐ Stay hydrated; desert nights can be deceivingly dry.
• ☐ inform a friend of your location if you’re venturing to remote spots.

Real‑World Example: Jeddah Astronomical Society’s 2025 Dibiat Event

On 23 December 2025, the Jeddah Astronomical Society organized a “Meteor night” at the Al‑Qasr Al‑Saqr park. Over 150 participants reported an average of 30 visible meteors per hour,with several fireballs captured using a 24 MP mirrorless camera. The event was livestreamed on the society’s YouTube channel, attracting over 12,000 viewers worldwide and showcasing Jeddah’s growing reputation as a prime Middle‑Eastern stargazing destination.

Quick Reference – Checklist for a Successful Dibiat Observation

1. Scout the site (day before) – confirm darkness level and obstacles.
2. pack gear – chair,blanket,red‑light flashlight,water,camera.
3. Check weather – use local forecast apps up to 1 hour before heading out.
4. Set up – allow 15 minutes for eyes to adapt.
5. Start scanning – focus on the radiant area, move gradually across the sky.
6. record – take notes on meteor count, brightness, and any unusual fireballs.

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