Date: Friday, 12th December 2026
Gathering Time and Place: 13:00, the exact meetup location will be communicated on WhatsApp group after registration.
Duration: Overnight. Return by 10am next morning.
Trip Leader: Dr. Treena Bron
Trip Registration
Registration is mandatory. This event is open to current paid members. Please contact us with any membership questions if you have not renewed but would like to participate!
The number of cars attending this ramble may be limited. This is a 4WD only excursion.
Please share your name, membership ID, number of participants and phone number (for WhatsApp group) by email to Treena Bron
We are very keen on carpooling – please arrange on the WhatsApp chat group!
Ramble Summary
The Geminids meteor shower is considered to be one of the best and most consistent meteor showers. Unlike most meteor showers that originate from comets, the Geminids originate from an asteroid 3200-Phaethon. The annual astronomical event is active from 1st December till 21st December with its peak on the night of the 13th. We have arranged our ramble on the night of the 12th to utilize the weekend. We will still catch many Geminid meteors during our camping.
We will be adventuring to a dark sky area in Qatar’s desert to witness the meteor shower & appreciate the beauty of the desert in the cooler season. This trip requires a 4×4 vehicle. We will be driving off-road on rocky terrain with some patches of sand. No prior experience of driving on sand is required. However, you are advised to check your vehicle health prior to the trip and ensure that it is off-road worthy.
If you own a DSLR camera, please bring it with a sturdy tripod. Guidance will be provided on night-time photography techniques for stars and meteors by our QNHG star-gazing enthusiast Omer.
Trip Leader Bio
(Dr. Treena Bron)
Dr Treena Bron is a geologist (BScHon, PhD) with expertise in sedimentology, petroleum geology, planetary geology and environment. She has worked in research, industry and academia and done fieldwork worldwide from Africa to Canada, from Arctic to Outback. She is a passionate naturalist & environmental advocate.
What to bring?
- 4×4 vehicle
- Camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, mattress, pillow, chair, head light (with red light option), optional toilet tent and a shovel
- Water, snacks, food for the duration of the trip
- Closed hiking shoes
- Warm clothes for the night
- Fly trap and insect repellent if wanted
- Camera, telescope and tripod if you have them
- Sunscreen and hat
- Curiosity!
- Please remember that every person attending the Ramble is responsible for their own well-being and safety. Make sure to carry your QID.
- Children are welcome to join our activities but should remain under parent supervision.
- We will be taking photographs during the ramble. Your registration will be considered as a consent to be featured in the photographs. These photographs may feature the ramble participants and may be used on our social media. If you prefer not to be included in any of the photos, please inform us in advance at the time of registration.
- You are also welcome to take nature and group photos during the ramble. However, if you are taking an individual’s photo, please seek prior consent.
