Dazzling Perseid meteor shower graces night sky in northwest China

A fabulous Perseid meteor shower illuminated the night sky in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in the early hours of Wednesday.

More than 200 enthusiasts from across the country gathered in Shapotou District to enjoy the spectacular celestial firework display under the desert night sky.

"The Perseid meteor shower happens around this time each year, typically peaking around August 13. At its peak, you can spot many meteors, sometimes seeing dozens in just one hour," said Cao Jun, an associate researcher at the Beijing Planetarium.

The Shapotou District is located in the golden latitude for stargazing at 37°N. About eight kilometers into the Tengger Desert, it is far from urban light pollution and has an average elevation of 1,430 meters. The region enjoys nearly 300 days of clear weather annually and excellent atmospheric transparency, making it a perfect spot for observing meteor showers.

This year, it also hosts the annual Star Party for astronomy lovers.

"As our country's economy develops, more and more people are becoming interested in astronomy, especially children. We aim to bring enthusiasts of all levels together to share experiences and observations. If we can coincide this with a major astronomical event, it makes it even more meaningful," said Kou Wen, a chief science popularization expert at the Beijing Planetarium.

According to the Beijing Planetarium, the five-day Star Party offers astronomy enthusiasts a chance to enjoy stargazing in the desert and connect with one another. It also features engaging lectures from experts.

Dazzling Perseid meteor shower graces night sky in northwest China

The multilateral system is "under attack" amid global turmoil, President of the 80th UN General Assembly Annalena Baerbock warned in her remarks on Wednesday.

In her briefing on the priorities for the resumed 80th Session of the General Assembly, the UNGA president noted that the current multilateral system does not collapse all in a sudden, but "crumbles piece by piece" in divisions, compromises, and lack of political commitment.

The president called all the UN member states to defend the UN Charter and international law and promote cross-regional cooperation.

She also urged to push forward the work of the UNGA on certain critical issues with a strong majority, rather than an absolute consensus among all member states. Such act is not a failure of multilateralism, but "an affirmation of it," she said.

The foundational principles of the institution should not be eroded by appeasement, she said, calling the member states to show courage, leadership, and responsibility at the UN's "critical make-or-break moment."

"The UN needs you. Your support, your leadership, your principle, stand, your cross-regional cooperation, if we are to preserve and modernize this institution, if we are to make it, rather than break it," she said.

UNGA President warns global multilateral system "under attack"