A photographer has captured a breathtaking image of the Perseid meteor shower over the iconic Stonehenge monument, creating a mesmerizing “window to the universe,” CBS News reports.
Josh Dury, a landscape astrophotographer, spent three hours capturing the spectacle, resulting in a composite of 40 images that showcase the Milky Way glowing over the ancient stones, with streaks of light from the meteor shower illuminating the night sky.
“I always like to remember them as ancient fireworks because they are… The Perseid meteor shower is created by one of the oldest objects of our solar system, comets… I thought, ‘this is such a pertinent narrative through that sense of mystery and time,” Dury said.
The image’s beauty even caught the attention of NASA, who featured it as their “Astronomy Picture of the Day,” an honor that Dury described as “insane.”
Dury’s passion for the night sky stems from his childhood, inspired by the animated series “Biker Mice from Mars.” He believes that observing the universe sparks a sense of wonder and curiosity about life beyond Earth.
Dury has stressed the importance of protecting dark skies, warning of the threat posed by light pollution.
“Artificial light is a major problem for catching these glimpses into space,” he said. “It can also disrupt nocturnal wildlife, and even people.”
Dury has expressed hope that his viral photograph will inspire a new generation to appreciate the night sky and become advocates for dark sky preserves and environmental conservation.
