Perseid meteor shower peaks as observers report vivid displays
The annual Perseid meteor shower reached its peak overnight, offering up to 100 meteors per hour, with favorable dark skies due to a new moon.
The Perseid meteor shower, produced by dust and debris from comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle, peaked during the early hours of Tuesday. Astronomers noted that the new moon created darker conditions, enhancing visibility of the meteors, which can appear to radiate from the constellation Perseus. Observers reported rates of up to 100 meteors per hour, with particles entering Earth's atmosphere at speeds of around 133,000 miles per hour. The display is expected to continue through August 24, giving skywatchers additional opportunities to view the phenomenon.
Photographers worldwide documented the event, capturing images of the streaking meteors across the night sky.