The Perseid meteor shower dazzled skywatchers around the world with its spectacular display. From Greece to China, photographers captured stunning images of the annual celestial event, showcasing the beauty of the cosmos.
Unlike last year, when the full moon overshadowed the meteors, this year’s Perseids were visible in all their glory, thanks to the moon being only 10% illuminated during the peak nights of August 12 and 13. The Perseids occur when Earth passes through the debris left behind by Comet Swift-Tuttle, with the peak happening on August 11-12.
Amateur astronomer Fotis Mavroudakis captured a breathtaking photograph of the Perseid meteor shower in the mountains of Drama, Greece. The image not only showcases the brilliance of the meteors but also highlights the grandeur of the night sky.
In Turkey, Kemal Ceylan captured a Perseid meteor streaking across the sky at the Ancient City of Hattusa. The stunning image emphasizes the beauty of the meteor shower against the backdrop of the historical site.
Meanwhile, in China’s Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province, VCG/VCG via Getty Images captured a mesmerizing photograph of a Perseid meteor illuminating the night sky. The image portrays the ethereal nature of the meteor shower.
From Spain to the United States, the Perseids were a sight to behold. Samuel de Roman/Getty Images photographed a Perseid meteor above Leon, Spain, while Phil Kirschner managed to capture an impressive meteor streaking across the sky just below Jupiter in Snohomish, Washington.
The magnificence of the Perseid meteor shower was not limited to Earth’s surface. Photographers also captured the event from observatories and stations around the world. Richard Rajah photographed Perseids at the Fremont Peak Observatory in California, while Thilina Kaluthotage/NurPhoto via Getty Images captured a bright Perseid meteor against the star-studded Milky Way in Ratnapura, Sri Lanka.
Even in regions not typically associated with stargazing, the Perseids still amazed. Morteza Nikoubazl/NurPhoto via Getty Images photographed a green-hued Perseid meteor above Garmsar, Semnan Province, Iran, and Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images captured the shower above the Lick Observatory at Mount Hamilton in California.
The Perseid meteor shower also drew skywatchers to various locations. In Turkey’s Karacabey district, Sergen Sezgin/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images photographed the meteors streaking across the sky over the Karacabey Longoz Forests, while Lance King/Getty Images captured a bright Perseid meteor sparkling alongside the lights of White Lake in North Carolina, USA.
The awe-inspiring celestial display continued in China, as Wang Yutong/VCG via Getty Images captured the Perseids above the National Observatory Miyun Station in Beijing. Mostafa Alkharouf/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images also photographed the meteor shower above the Makhtesh Ramon area of the Negev Desert in Israel.
The Perseid meteor shower served as a reminder of the beauty and wonder of the universe. If these breathtaking images have inspired you, be sure to check out our recommendations for the best cameras for astrophotography and our guide on how to photograph a meteor shower for some helpful tips and advice.
And if you have captured a spectacular photo of the Perseid meteor shower or any other heavenly spectacle, share it with us by sending your images and comments to [email protected].