So spectacular is this space debris -- often no larger than a grain of sand -- meeting its final and brilliant end after a 5-billion-year journey.
Early Thursday morning, many in the Bay Area turned their eyes to the sky to take in the annual Perseid meteor display. Though some reported cloudy conditions, some local stargazers enjoyed a good view, and others across the globe captured stunning images for all to enjoy.
Check out these images from the Perseid meteor shower from around the world.