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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A different kind of dive
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It’s Giving Tuesday
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Goðafoss waterfall, Iceland
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Kagami-ike, Nagano, Japan
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The birthplace of a classic Christmas carol
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Rolling hills of the Palouse, Washington
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Stepping stones in Tollymore Forest Park, Northern Ireland
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International Dark Sky Week
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World Oceans Day
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Discovery Day in Yukon, Canada
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Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park shines
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World Lizard Day
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Carnival of Venice
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Seven Magic Mountains art installation, Jean Dry Lake, Nevada
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National Park Week: Guadalupe Mountains National Park
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Fibonacci Day
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Winnats Pass, Peak District National Park, England
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Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
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Bangkok, Thailand
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Visiting Ahch-To on Star Wars Day
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Where fire meets water
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Coyote Buttes, Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, Arizona
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A fortress in the sky
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Of moose and Maine
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Haghartsin Monastery, Armenia
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A night of art and culture
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Kissing Day
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In the belly of Fat Bear Week
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Spotted Lake emerges
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Atolls in the Maldives
Bing Wallpaper Gallery

