Milky Way and Stargazing Near Rafha
The Northern Borders region has repeatedly appeared in recent Saudi astronomy coverage thanks to its vast desert and low light pollution at specific sites.
Before you go
On 12 July 2026, SPA documented a clear view of the Milky Way at Umm Al-Asafir, about 60 km south of Rafha, linking it to clear air and low light pollution. This shows the area’s potential for stargazing, not a daily guarantee of conditions.
How to use the planner
Choose the city, date and goal. Compare the darkness window with the Moon’s position, then check recent conditions on the ground. Don’t let driving time alone stand in for knowing the actual quality of the site.
Safety and conditions on the ground
Have a clear plan for getting back, don’t enter private land or restricted areas, and avoid roads unsuitable for your vehicle. At remote sites, check fuel, water and phone signal before you leave.