In a new global achievement that reflects Saudi Arabia's growing status in astronomical tourism, the US space agency NASA has selected an image captured from the skies over Al-Ula, northwest of the Kingdom, as the "Astronomy Picture of the Day" on its official platforms.
The photo, published on August 25, is titled “Meteor and the Star Cluster.” It shows a green flash of a meteor streaking through the Pleiades cluster in a stunning light scene that was captured over a period of one hour. The scene unfolds between the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Al-Hijr and the Al-Gharamil Reserve, the only two sites in the Gulf to have been awarded the Dark Sky status by the international Dark Sky Organization.
Exceptional sky and global status
With exceptional clarity and a near-total absence of light pollution, AlUla's skies are ranked among the top 5% of astronomical observatory locations globally, making it a favorite destination for stargazers and astrotourists, and an ideal spot for observing the universe away from the hustle and bustle of cities. NASA's selection of this image was not merely an aesthetic document, but a global testament to AlUla's unique nightscape and its growing status as a unique destination worldwide.
Wide interaction on social media
As soon as NASA published the image, it sparked widespread interaction on social media, with many considering it an achievement that reflects Saudi Arabia's standing in the fields of science, tourism, and astronomy. Twitter users widely circulated the image, attaching comments affirming that AlUla has become "Saudi Arabia's window to the sky." Others expressed their pride in the appearance of the first image from AlUla on NASA's platforms, describing the scene as "a unique celestial painting."
An achievement that consolidates leadership
NASA's selection of this image is a culmination of the Kingdom's efforts to showcase AlUla's natural and environmental treasures and enhance its presence on the global tourism map. Today, AlUla's skies have become a magnet for astronomy enthusiasts and a destination for anyone seeking an exceptional experience observing the stars and the wonders of the universe.
