Perseid meteor explodes and leaves a vapor trail | Space

Michael Chung posted this video to Vimeo three days ago. It’s a meteor seen during the recent Perseid meteor shower, which “popped” or exploded and then left behind a vapor trail. I’ve seen meteors like this one with the eye, but never saw one captured on film. Way to go, Michael!

2013 Perseids Meteor Shower: Meteor Explosion from Michael Chung on Vimeo.

Astronomers tend to use bolide to describe a very bright fireball, particularly one that explodes.

Deborah Byrd

Deborah Byrd created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and founded EarthSky.org in 1994. Today, she serves as Editor-in-Chief of this website. She has won a galaxy of awards from the broadcasting and science communities, including having an asteroid named 3505 Byrd in her honor. 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.