Astrophotographer Captures Perseid Meteor Shower Over Stonehenge, Highlighting the Importance of Dark Skies

The Perseid meteor shower, a spectacular annual celestial event, was recently captured in a stunning photograph by astrophotographer Josh Dury at Stonehenge. The image, which Dury calls a “window to the universe,” is a composite of 40 photographs taken over three hours on the night of August 9.

It shows the Perseid meteors streaking across the sky alongside the Milky Way, creating a breathtaking scene over the ancient U.K. landmark. Dury likens the meteor shower to “ancient fireworks” and sees it as a powerful connection to the mystery and timelessness of the universe.

This photograph received significant recognition, being selected as NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day on August 12. For Dury, it was a career-defining moment and an incredible honor.

His fascination with the night sky began at the age of seven, inspired by the animated series “Biker Mice from Mars,” which ignited his curiosity about space and the possibility of life beyond Earth. Dury’s passion for astrophotography stems from his deep sense of wonder and his drive to explore the mysteries of the universe.

Dury hopes that his viral photograph will inspire children today in the same way he was inspired as a child. He is particularly concerned with raising awareness about the importance of dark sky preservation, as light pollution threatens the ability to experience such celestial events.

Dury stresses that dark skies are not only vital for stargazing but also play a crucial role in protecting wildlife and maintaining human health. Excessive artificial light disrupts nocturnal creatures and interferes with humans’ natural sleep cycles by affecting melatonin production.

The threat to dark sky preserves, such as Canada’s Jasper National Park, is also a significant concern for Dury. He points out that the park, one of the world’s largest dark sky preserves, recently faced its worst wildfire in a century, highlighting the environmental challenges these areas face.

Dury believes that preserving dark sky environments is essential for future generations to experience the beauty of the universe, and he sees his photography as a way to inspire others to value and protect these rare places.

Through his work, Dury seeks to spark curiosity and a deeper appreciation for the night sky. He hopes that by capturing and sharing images like the one of the Perseid meteor shower, he can inspire the next generation to look up and wonder at the vastness of the cosmos. For Dury, this mission to protect dark skies and encourage a sense of wonder is as much about environmental conservation as it is about creating inspiring art.