The 2025 Perseid Meteor Shower in Photos

The recent peak of the Perseid meteor shower on August 12–13 offered a stunning display of shooting stars, despite the brightening moonlight that washed out many of the fainter meteors. The dense trail of debris from Comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle intersected with Earth, resulting in spectacular streaks across the night sky.

Although the moon’s glare limited visible meteors to the brightest flashes, numerous dazzling meteor sightings still captivated viewers and photographers worldwide. Some images captured meteors alongside auroras and stunning landscapes, creating unforgettable scenes of the cosmos.

Highlights from the Shower

Photographer Harlan Thomas captured meteors crossing the sky above Alberta, Canada, with the northern lights dancing overhead. Similarly, Josh Dury photographed Perseids racing past the Durdle Door rock formation on the UK coast, resulting in a dramatic shot of meteors streaking beside the Milky Way.

Perseid meteors streaking through the sky near the Milky Way over a coastal scene. — Shooting stars arc across the Milky Way near Durdle Door, captured by Josh Dury.

Another notable shot was taken by Amreet Kini in Illinois, who captured a meteor with a glowing ion trail during early August, the brightest of the night that left a lingering ‘smoke’ trail. Similarly, Berkes documented a fiery Perseid blazing toward Earth from Yellowstone, highlighting the dynamic nature of the shower.

Perseid meteor crossing the starry sky above a rocky landscape. — Jeff Berkes’ photo of a fiery Perseid meteor over Yellowstone.

Some skywatchers also sighted meteors from aircraft at high altitudes, such as Matt Melnyk, who captured a Perseid flashing through auroras from 27,000 feet above Earth’s surface. Others set up long exposure shots, capturing star trails and multiple meteors, revealing the intricate patterns of the night sky.

Star trails circling the North Star with meteors passing through. — Star trails and meteors over Turkey as seen in a long-exposure shot.

The Perseid shower will continue until August 23, with diminishing intensity. Enthusiasts are encouraged to check out guides on astrophotography and continue observing the skies for remaining meteors. Sharing your own astrophotography can also join this visual celebration of our universe.