Meteor Streak Captured Over Lacerta Nebula During Long Exposure Shot

Astronomers captured a bright, short-lived meteor traversing the faint red core of the Great Lacerta Nebula during a prolonged exposure taken at Death Valley Observatories in Nevada. As the meteoroid entered the atmosphere, it heated and excited surrounding air, causing it to glow before vaporizing and leaving a trail of wind-blown gas and dust that reveals clues about its makeup. The photograph dates from the previous month, and this month is considered especially good for meteor observation, although a bright gibbous Moon currently reduces visibility.

Presently three meteor showers are ongoing, with the Perseids being the most active and expected to reach their maximum roughly ten days from now, after the Moon’s brightness wanes. The Perseids peak this year aligns closely with a new Moon that, from certain locations, will fully eclipse the Sun.