Today's Image

Taurid meteor over Atlantic coast

Posted by

and

November 7, 2016

Taurid meteor 2016. Photo taken November 5, 2016 by Jeff Berkes Photography.

This past weekend was one of the (several) predicted peaks of the South Taurid meteor shower, which runs for many weeks each autumn. Jeff Berkes took advantage of that fact to capture the photo above. He wrote:

Clear skies over Assateague Island National Seashore [a long barrier island off the coast of Maryland and Virgini, known for its Atlantic beaches] this weekend.

We got some excellent results, and at least a handful of fireballs!

While I was catching some sleep early Saturday morning, my camera caught this Taurid meteor around 2:30 a.m.

Thank you, Jeff!

Posted

November 7, 2016

in

Today's Image

Deborah Byrd

View Articles

About the Author:

Deborah Byrd (asteroid 3505 Byrd) helps edit EarthSky.org and is a frequent host of EarthSky videos. Deborah created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and founded EarthSky.org in 1994. Prior to that, she had worked for the University of Texas McDonald Observatory since 1976, and created and produced their Star Date radio series. She has won a galaxy of awards from the broadcasting and science communities, including having an asteroid named in her honor in 1990, a Public Service Award from the National Science Board in 2003, and the Education Prize from the American Astronomical Society in 2020. A science communicator and educator since 1976, Byrd believes in science as a force for good in the world and a vital tool for the 21st century. "Being an EarthSky editor is like hosting a big global party for cool nature-lovers," she says.