Milky Way captured in mesmerizing detail above the UK

These beautiful images show the trail of stars making up the Milky Way sparkling over the British Isles.

The images have been shared by astrophotographer Peter Byrne as the UK moves into the autumn equinox.

Captured in Anglesey, North Wales, the cosmic shots serve to remind us of the vastness of the galaxy.

‘Our galaxy’s bright core is only visible to those in the northern hemisphere in summer, with September offering virtually the last chance to observe it,’ wrote travel site Travel and Leisure.

‘However, it’s also one of the best times to see it because it’s visible soon after dark above the southwestern horizon.’

The spiral galaxy of the Milky Way is roughly 13.5 billion years old – almost as old as the universe itself.