Explanation: The annual Perseid meteor shower is one of the most spectacular meteor showers visible from the Northern Hemisphere, known for producing bright, fast-moving meteors. The shower appears to radiate from the constellation Perseus in the northern sky. Each summer, Earth passes through a stream of dust and debris left along the orbit of periodic comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle. As these particles enter Earth’s atmosphere, they heat up and create brilliant meteor trails that can remain visible throughout the night.
This composite image was captured near the peak of the Perseid meteor shower on August 12. It shows two bright Perseid meteors above the coastal village of Grisslehamn, Sweden, along with the reflection of one meteor on the water. One meteor shines nearly as brightly as Altair, the brightest star in the scene, while the faint, diffuse glow of the Milky Way forms a beautiful backdrop.
This year’s Perseid meteor shower peaked during a new moon, meaning bright moonlight did not wash out the fainter meteors. For many skywatchers, the dark skies provided ideal conditions for observing and photographing the Perseid meteor shower before the long-awaited solar eclipse.
Growing gallery: Solar Eclipse on August 12, 2026
Tomorrow’s photos: Milky Way Over Yellowstone
Source: science.nasa.gov