Overview
- The National Astronomical Observatory of Japan said the Perseids peaked on Thursday, Aug. 13 at about 11:00 JST and forecast up to roughly 30 meteors per hour at dark sites on the nights of Aug. 13–14.
- This year’s timing near a new moon sharply reduced moonlight, which made faint meteors easier to see and helped photographers capture bright streaks in many clear locations.
- Typhoon No.15 produced heavy cloud cover in parts of Japan, creating wide regional differences in visibility as some coastal and inland spots were clouded out while others had clear skies.
- Local reports from Niigata, Hokkaido, Nagasaki and Okinawa described vivid displays, public gatherings and photographers recording colorful meteors, with some observers counting double-digit meteors in short spans.
- The Perseids come from debris left by comet Swift–Tuttle, sightings can continue for several days after the peak, and authorities say the shower should remain viewable through about Aug. 20.