Because August is such a fantastic time for stargazing, we’re looking skyward at this spectacular nighttime scene of the Milky Way over the Totensee, a small natural lake in Switzerland. In the Northern Hemisphere, the nights are still long and remain warm, so if you"re lucky you can catch the always thrilling sight of a falling star. Tonight would be a good night to look for one because we"re at the tail end of the annual Perseid meteor shower. Like most predictable meteor showers, it occurs when the Earth"s orbit intersects with the long elliptical path of one of the millions of comets that orbit the sun. It is called the Perseid meteor shower because the bulk of the meteors will appear to originate out of the constellation Perseus. So, turn out the lights, head outside, and look up!
Reflections of the night sky
Today in History
More Desktop Wallpapers:
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The wild heart of Tasmania
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US Election Day
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World Laughter Day
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Asteroid Day
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Balloon Ascension Day
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A lunar lantern celebration
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Hidden beauty in Thailand
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Why’s it called a spelling ‘bee,’ anyhow?
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Bobbio, Italy
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Corona Arch near Moab, Utah
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Handmade gnomes at a Christmas market
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20 years later
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Astronomy Day and National Public Lands Day
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Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel and the Louvre Pyramid
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A bison preserve
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Sedona, Arizona
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A meerkat stands alone
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Summer winds down in the Southern Hemisphere
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Yarn bombing in the village of Gurnard, England
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A lofty lighthouse and a little ocean spray
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Is that a smile?
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Marine Day in Japan
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The artists come to Venice
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Sweetheart Abbey, Scotland
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Bay Marker Lookout, Sydney Olympic Park, Australia
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Splashes of color for Watercolor Month
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Veterans Day
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Celebrating 78 years of Everglades National Park
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Happy Cinco de Mayo!
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National Moon Day
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