AlUla Maps the Ship of Odysseus in The Stars as Homer’s Epic Voyage Comes to Life Above Saudi

As Christopher Nolan's highly anticipated The Odyssey arrives in cinemas this summer, AlUla, Saudi’s ancient desert destination, has designed an interpretive asterism depicting the legendary ship of Greek hero Odysseus, inviting visitors to experience one of mythology's greatest adventures beneath some of the world's clearest night skies.

The Odysseus figure is an interpretive asterism, a recognisable pattern formed by selected stars. Unlike the 88 official constellations defined by the International Astronomical Union (IAU), asterisms are informal star patterns that have been created by cultures around the world throughout history for navigation, storytelling and cultural expression. Continuing this practice, the Odysseus asterism uses ten stars to depict Odysseus aboard his ship, symbolising the ten-year journey home following the Trojan War. 

The location of the Odysseus asterism was carefully chosen to reflect Homer's original tale. The selected region of sky includes Boötes, one of the celestial figures explicitly observed and referenced during Odysseus’ voyage home in Homer’s Odyssey. The neighbouring constellations of Hercules and Corona Borealis reinforce the broader Greek mythological setting and provide a visually compelling framework for this contemporary interpretive asterism.

For millennia, the night sky has guided travellers, inspired storytellers and connected civilisations. Today, visitors to AlUla can experience that same tradition through stargazing experiences where astronomy, heritage and storytelling come together beneath some of the world’s most pristine dark skies.

Inspired by renewed global interest in The Odyssey, the interpretive asterism offers visitors a fresh way to engage with one of mythology's most enduring tales, transforming the night sky into a shared experience of exploration, discovery and imagination.

Saeed Baghdadi, Astrophotographer said "One of the most fascinating aspects of astrophotography is its ability to connect people with stories that transcend generations. In AlUla, the combination of pristine dark skies and rich cultural heritage creates the perfect setting for that. Capturing the Odysseus asterism was a reminder that the night sky remains one of humanity's greatest canvases for imagination, discovery and wonder.”

As access to naturally dark skies became increasingly limited around the world, AlUla provides a rare setting where visitors can observe the stars with exceptional clarity and reconnect with one of humanity's oldest relationships with the night sky.

Visible throughout the northern hemisphere during summer, and up to September, the Odysseus asterism is best observed shortly after sunset, when visitors can join guided experiences offered by local operators and resorts, to discover the formation alongside the constellations, navigation techniques, and stories that have shaped cultures for thousands of years.

AlUla's commitment to Astrotourism will continue with the future opening of AlUla Manara, a landmark astronomy destination designed by Heatherwick Studio. Located within one of the world's largest Dark Sky Parks, the facility will combine immersive visitor experiences, scientific research and education, further strengthening AlUla’s position as a global destination for astronomy and stargazing.

Additionally, AlUla encompasses over 6,000 km² of internationally recognised Dark Sky Parks, making it the world’s third-largest protected dark-sky area. Spanning AlUla Manara, AlGharameel Nature Reserve, Sharaan National Park and Wadi Nakhlah Nature Reserve, these landscapes are safeguarded through AlUla’s Dark Sky Policy. With skies ranked among the darkest five percent globally, AlUla is firmly positioned as one of the world’s leading destinations for astronomy and stargazing.

For more information, visit www.experiencealula.com