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Leonid meteors
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Leonid meteors
Leonid meteors. Optical time-exposure image of Leonid meteors (streaks) against a starfield containing the Milky Way (band across centre). Meteors (shooting stars) are tiny dust particles which enter the Earths atmosphere at high speeds. They are heated by air resistance, making them visible as streaks of light. The Leonid shower occurs each year for about 2 days around 17th November, when the Earth crosses the debris produced by the comet Tempel-Tuttle (55P). Photographed in 2001
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Media ID 6426161
© DR FRED ESPENAK/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
2001 Annual Comet Debris Comets Constellation Cosmology Dust Falling Leonid Leonids Meteor Shower Meteors Milky Way Night Sky Optical Periodic Shooting Star Star Field Stars Tempel Tuttle Tracks
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the mesmerizing beauty of the Leonid meteors streaking across a starfield adorned with the ethereal Milky Way. These celestial wonders, also known as shooting stars, are formed by minuscule dust particles hurtling into Earth's atmosphere at incredible speeds. As they encounter air resistance, these particles heat up and become visible to us as luminous streaks of light. The annual Leonid shower graces our skies for approximately two days around November 17th each year. During this time, Earth crosses paths with debris left behind by the comet Tempel-Tuttle (55P), giving rise to an awe-inspiring spectacle that never fails to captivate stargazers worldwide. Photographed in 2001, this optical time-exposure image showcases the magnificence of nature's cosmic dance. The constellation Leo serves as a backdrop for these celestial tracks, adding an extra layer of enchantment to the scene. It is within these fleeting moments that we are reminded of our place in the vastness of space and how interconnected we are with its wonders. As you gaze upon this photograph from Science Photo Library, allow yourself to be transported into a world where comets leave their mark and shooting stars paint trails across the night sky. Let it inspire you to marvel at the mysteries beyond our earthly realm and appreciate both the grandeur and fragility of our universe.
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