TEHRAN - Kerman province’s cultural heritage department has announced an extraordinary opportunity for stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts.

Later this month, the renowned Perseids meteor shower will illuminate the skies over the Shahdad region situated in the UNESCO-listed Lut Desert.

In that regard, a special tour will be organized in an unparalleled natural setting of the Shahdad desert, an official with the department said on Monday.

Mo’in Afzali highlighted the Shahdad region in the Lut Desert as an ideal location for observing the Perseids. “The desert’s clear, unobstructed skies create a stunning view of the stars,” Afzali stated. “The Lut Desert’s vast, dark landscape enhances the visibility of the meteor shower, making it feel as if the stars are closer and brighter.”

The Shahdad Desert is renowned for its minimal cloud cover, offering almost uninterrupted views of the sky. The region’s isolation from urban light pollution further ensures that visitors will have an exceptional opportunity to observe the celestial spectacle.

The Perseids meteor shower, known in Persian as Shahabi-e Barasavashi, is an annual celestial event associated with the Swift-Tuttle comet.

Typically, visible from mid-July to late August, this meteor shower reaches its peak around August 12th. This year, the best viewing times in the Shahdad region are expected on August 11th and 12th, providing a spectacular cosmic show against the backdrop of the starry desert skies.

In collaboration with local travel agencies and tour operators, the tours are set to take place during the meteor shower’s peak later this month, the official said.

The Perseids meteor shower is not just an astronomical event but also an opportunity for people to connect with the cosmos in a profound way. This year’s event promises to be a memorable experience, especially with the Shahdad Desert’s incredible scenery serving as a backdrop.

AM