August 3, 2026
Here’s to you, and all the wonder still ahead.
Birthday · August 3, 2026
A little universe, just for you
Your date.
Ready to give.
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Selected image source ↗ APOD published August 3, 2026. Credit: Tom Burnett. A publication-date match, not a photo taken on your date. Independent of NASA.
Behind the original result
Vaporizing Meteor Photobombs the Lacerta Nebula
Original APOD · August 3, 2026 ↗Read the original APOD for the astronomer’s explanation and full image credits. Its text is preserved in the archive as published.
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What's happening to this meteor? This bright meteor streak appeared and disappeared quickly during a long exposure of the Great Lacerta Nebula, seen faintly in red toward the center of the image. The meteoroid, likely a small pebble, creates its glow partly by heating and exciting surrounding air in Earth's atmosphere, but itself vaporizes and leaves wind-blown gas and dust with colors that give clues to its composition. The featured image was captured last month from Death Valley Observatories in Nevada, USA. This month, though, is particularly good for seeing meteors. Presently there are three meteor showers ongoing, although they are currently competing for visibility with the glow of a bright gibbous Moon. The most active of these showers, the Perseids, will be busiest in about 10 days -- after the Moon has dimmed considerably. This year, the Perseids peak nearly coincides with not only a new Moon, but, from some locations, one that totally eclipses the Sun. Sky Surprise: What picture did APOD feature on your birthday? (after 1995)
Image credit: Tom Burnett
Explore August 3 in other years · 32 APOD entries, 1995–2026
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