Astronomy enthusiasts flock to Ningxia to catch spectacular Perseid meteor shower

Astronomy enthusiasts from across China were given a stunning celestial treat overnight on Wednesday as they gathered in the northwestern Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region to observe the spectacular Perseid meteor showers which streaked across the night sky.

The Perseids, one of the most highly anticipated annual meteor showers, is visible for several weeks through the summer and peaked during the night from Wednesday into Thursday -- with Ningxia offering perfect conditions to watch the phenomenon unfold.

Meteors, also known as shooting stars, are the glowing trails of cosmic dust and rock left behind by comets or asteroids.

The Perseid meteor shower, associated with comet Swift-Tuttle, is usually observable from mid-July to early September.

"The bigger the moon, the fewer chances that people can observe meteor shower. Fortunately, there is no moon at the time of the year. So, the observation condition is the best," said Liu Pushun, director of Haba Lake Observatory.

"We came here specifically to watch the shooting stars. We're planning to just sleep in the car tonight," said Zeng Weijing, a tourist from Chongqing Municipality.

Astronomy enthusiasts flock to Ningxia to catch spectacular Perseid meteor shower

Eight people have been pulled alive from the rubble of a collapsed residential building in Cali, Colombia, in the wake of a powerful earthquake hitting the country two days ago.

The 7.5-magnitude quake jolted cities across Colombia's western region at 07:34 local time on Monday, completely destroying the apartment building named Torres del Limonar, and leaving its residents trapped underneath the ruins.

Since then, rescue teams and volunteers have worked there non-stop for dozens of hours, hoping to save more lives from the disaster.

After the critical 48-hour window closed, the rescuers have gradually shifted the focus of their work to recovering bodies of the victims.

The death toll from the powerful earthquake had risen to 265, with 3,494 people injured and 496 others still missing, Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella said Wednesday.

The Colombian president said more than 11,000 homes were destroyed nationwide and over 53,000 people were affected by the disaster.

8 survivors pulled from rubble of collapsed apartment building after Colombia quake