The annual Perseid meteor shower is now active and will continue through August 24, with the best viewing expected during the overnight hours of August 12-13. Those bright "shooting stars" are actually tiny bits of comet dust, many no larger than a grain of sand, that slam into Earth's atmosphere at incredible speeds and burn up in a brilliant flash. With dark skies, warm August temperatures, and one of the year's best meteor showers, 2026 could be one of the best opportunities in years to catch a wish on a shooting star. Learn MoreNASA's Night Sky Network: Perseid Meteor ShowerAmerican Meteor Society Meteor Shower CalendarSpace.com's 2026 Perseid Viewing GuideGet our free mobile appCountry Stars Who Are Retiring in 2026 Country music has already said goodbye to several beloved artists who have retired from performing in 2026, and it appears that more may be joining them in retirement soon. Gallery Credit: Sterling WhitakerIn Memoriam: 2026 Deaths A look at those we've lost in 2026.