The annual Perseid Meteor Shower, known for its bright and fast meteors, reached peak activity on August 12, with skywatchers in the northern hemisphere treated to striking displays. The meteors originate from dust shed along the orbit of periodic comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle, which vaporizes as it enters Earth's dense atmosphere.
A composite image taken near the coastal village of Grisslehamn, Sweden captured two bright Perseid meteors during the peak, along with the reflection of one meteor in water. The meteors appeared nearly as bright as Altair, the brightest star visible in the frame, set against the faint diffuse background of the Milky Way.
Viewing conditions were optimal this year as the shower's peak coincided with a New Moon, meaning bright moonlight did not diminish the visibility of meteor flashes. For many observers, the night of bright Perseid meteors followed their viewing of a solar eclipse on the same date.
