                        Astronomy Picture of the Day

    Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our
      fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation
                    written by a professional astronomer.

                                2024 August 5
   A starry sky is seen above a structure with an iconic dome. A person in
    shadow stands at the entrance. Sloping down in the sky is the central
   band of our Milky Way Galaxy. Just below the Milky Way is the streak of
        a bright meteor. Please see the explanation for more detailed
                                information.

                           Milky Way Over Tunisia
                  Image Credit & Copyright: Makrem Larnaout

   Explanation: That's no moon. On the ground, that's the Lars Homestead
   in Tunisia. And that's not just any galaxy. That's the central band of
   our own Milky Way galaxy. Last, that's not just any meteor. It is a
   bright fireball likely from last year's Perseids meteor shower. The
   featured image composite combines consecutive exposures taken by the
   same camera from the same location. This year's Perseids peak during
   the coming weekend is expected to show the most meteors after the first
   quarter moon sets, near midnight. To best experience a meteor shower,
   you should have clear and dark skies, a comfortable seat, and patience.

                        Tomorrow's picture: wow cloud
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       Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP)
            NASA Official: Amber Straughn Specific rights apply.
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                      A service of: ASD at NASA / GSFC,
                           NASA Science Activation
                             & Michigan Tech. U.

