One of the coolest meteor showers to be witnessed in the last few decades occurred Thursday night. Astronomers predicted Aug. 11 and 12 would be peak time to view the Perseids, an annual shower of meteors that feature bright, fast streaks of color behind them. Viewers can see 50 to 100 meteors per hour, more than any other time of year.
The Perseids are visible around the world, and technology allowed some to capture the moment in a photo or video. Here are some of the best shots from last night.
Last nights #PerseidMeteorShower was an awesome show. Best of the bunch @StormHour@AP_Magazine#Kimmeridge#Dorsetpic.twitter.com/dDB9BoyCVL
— Andy Lyons (@Lyonsphotos_uk) August 12, 2016
2nd image of the #Persieds from last night on the #Dorset coast #photohour@DorsetMag@VirtualAstropic.twitter.com/C9EHbgBsdz
— Andy Lyons (@Lyonsphotos_uk) August 12, 2016
The #PerseidMeteorShower peaks tonight 💫 https://t.co/W0PMhUqGhq
— Vine (@vine) August 11, 2016
Milky Way #PerseidMeteorShower over hatchet pond Hampshire pic.twitter.com/jcYOeAPw3N
— Jessica Franzisca (@InfluentialLime) August 12, 2016
Milky Way above Big Lake in Oregon during the #perseidmeteorshower with a skipping star! pic.twitter.com/QmQrDqpGm9
— Joshua Rainey Photo (@Rainey_Photo) August 20, 2015
#milkyway#Perseidmeteorshower#astronomy#astrophotography#nightskyhttps://t.co/zqikId1qDg
— Colegio Peñaluenga (@penyaluenga) January 7, 2016
The Perseids are a reminder of just how beautiful our earth really is, and it’s our job as Global Citizens to help keep it that way.
By taking action on Global Citizen, you will have a chance to win tickets to this year's Global Citizen Festival in New York City on Sept. 24, 2016.