Desert Stargazing Event Features Meteor Shower and Traditional Slow-Cooked Meal

A unique desert event combining stargazing and culinary experience is taking place in the Central Arava region throughout July and August 2026. The highlight will be on the night of August 13, when the Perseid meteor shower peaks under a moonless sky, offering optimal conditions for viewing shooting stars amid the quiet desert landscape. This event is part of the "Summer Nights in the Arava" series, running until August 29, featuring a variety of guided astronomy sessions, nature tours, and family-friendly activities.

Visitors will enjoy a special slow-cooked meal called poika, prepared over coals with fresh vegetables from a local family farm, quality beef or tofu, and spiced rice, accompanied by hot desert tea and roasted marshmallows around a campfire. The slow cooking method enhances the flavors, creating a rich and deep taste unique to this style, as explained by guide Erez Akshoti, who leads the culinary and stargazing experience.

The evening includes expert-led telescope observations and storytelling inspired by Greek mythology, providing a captivating and immersive night under the stars. The event also offers additional activities such as night swimming with pizza, wildlife spotting, and professional telescope viewings, all designed to connect participants with the natural beauty and tranquility of the desert.

For those interested, the event runs daily from 7:30 PM, with registration available by phone. The organizers emphasize the importance of these peaceful moments after recent turbulent years, combining nature, culture, and gastronomy in a memorable desert setting.