Live Feeds
● LIVE Updated 1h ago · 16 sources tracked

Eyes to the Skies: August features partial eclipses of the sun and moon

August 2026 presents several major astronomical events, including a solar eclipse on August 12 and a deep partial lunar eclipse at the end of the month. The solar eclipse coincides with the peak of the Perseid meteor shower, with the New Moon providing dark skies for meteor viewing. Observers in Washington DC and the Northeast will see the solar event as a partial eclipse. Other highlights for the month include a planet parade and the visibility of Venus in the western sky after sunset.

RSS Source map (16)

What changed

Recent reports confirm the August 12 solar eclipse is a total solar eclipse in some regions.

Live updates

  1. August 2026 Astronomical Calendar Features Solar and Lunar Eclipses

    August 2026 presents several major astronomical events, including a solar eclipse on August 12 and a deep partial lunar eclipse at the end of the month. The solar eclipse coincides with the peak of the Perseid meteor shower, with the New Moon providing dark skies for meteor viewing. Observers in Washington DC and the Northeast will see the solar event as a partial eclipse. Other highlights for the month include a planet parade and the visibility of Venus in the western sky after sunset.

    Why it matters

    Solar eclipses require specific eye protection even when viewed as partial events. The alignment of the Perseids with a New Moon typically enhances the visibility of the meteor shower. These events together make August a high-activity period for astronomical observation.

    What is confirmed

    • A solar eclipse occurs on August 12, 2026.
    • The Perseid meteor shower peaks in August 2026.
    • August 2026 includes two eclipses.
    • Venus will be visible in the west after sunset in August.

    What to watch next

    • Specific viewing locations for the total solar eclipse path
    • Weather forecasts for the August 12 solar event
    Sources used for this update (4)
    1. www.scientificamerican.com — A complete guide to the 2026 total solar eclipse
    2. www.nationalgeographic.com — A spectacular solar eclipse is coming. Here’s how to see it.
    3. www.wired.com — A Meteor Shower, Eclipses, and More Are on the August 2026 Astronomical Calendar
    4. scitechdaily.com — Don’t Miss: August Brings Two Eclipses and the Perseid Meteor Shower
    confidence 100%

  2. August 2026 astronomical events include solar and lunar eclipses

    The August 2026 calendar features a solar eclipse on August 12 and a deep partial lunar eclipse at the end of the month. The solar event coincides with the Perseid meteor shower, which may appear more impressive under New Moon skies. Observers in Washington DC and the Northeast will see the solar event as a partial eclipse. Other visible phenomena include a planet parade and Venus in the west after sunset. Experts warn that even partial solar eclipses require proper eye protection.

    Why it matters

    These events provide rare opportunities to observe multiple celestial phenomena in a single month. The alignment of the Perseids with a New Moon optimizes visibility for meteor watchers. Safety protocols remain a priority for those viewing the sun.

    What is confirmed

    • A solar eclipse occurs on August 12, 2026.
    • The Perseid meteor shower peaks in August 2026.
    • August 2026 includes two eclipses.
    • Venus is visible in the west after sunset during August.

    What to watch next

    • Specific viewing locations for the total solar eclipse
    • Weather forecasts for the August 12 event
    Sources used for this update (4)
    1. www.scientificamerican.com — A complete guide to the 2026 total solar eclipse
    2. www.nationalgeographic.com — A spectacular solar eclipse is coming. Here’s how to see it.
    3. www.wired.com — A Meteor Shower, Eclipses, and More Are on the August 2026 Astronomical Calendar
    4. scitechdaily.com — Don’t Miss: August Brings Two Eclipses and the Perseid Meteor Shower
    confidence 100%

  3. August 2026 Skywatching: Solar and Lunar Eclipses, Perseid Meteor Shower

    August 2026 features two eclipses and the peak of the Perseid meteor shower. A solar eclipse occurs on August 12, coinciding with the Perseids, which may appear more impressive due to dark New Moon skies. This solar event is visible as a partial eclipse from Washington DC and the Northeast. The month concludes with a deep partial lunar eclipse that will darken most of the Moon. Other highlights include a planet parade and the visibility of Venus in the west after sunset.

    Why it matters

    The convergence of a solar eclipse and the Perseid peak on August 12 creates a rare window for astronomical observation. These events allow observers to track planetary movements and lunar phases within a single month. NASA provides specific skywatching tips for these occurrences.

    What is confirmed

    • A solar eclipse occurs on August 12, 2026.
    • The Perseid meteor shower peaks in August.
    • A partial lunar eclipse will occur at the end of August.
    • The August 12 solar eclipse is visible as a partial eclipse from Washington DC.
    • Venus will be visible in the west after sunset in August.

    Still unconfirmed

    • August 12 could be the greatest single day and night for skywatching for years.

    What to watch next

    • NASA updates on visibility windows for the August 12 solar eclipse.
    Sources used for this update (12)
    1. National Geographic — 9 night sky events to see in August, from a total solar eclipse to the return of the northern lights
    2. FOX 5 New York — August 2026 solar eclipse: When and how to see it from the Northeast
    3. Popular Science — August stargazing: A planet parade, two eclipses, and one scary star
    4. The Boston Globe — Two eclipses are taking place in August. Here’s where you can view them.
    5. WTOP — Eyes to the Skies: August features partial eclipses of the sun and moon
    6. Live Science — Mark your calendars: Aug. 12 could be the greatest single day and night for skywatching for years
    7. NASA Science (.gov) — What’s Up: August 2026 Skywatching Tips from NASA
    8. Island Free Press — Night Sky: Perseids meteor shower and more highlights for August
    9. mynews13.com — How to see Artemis II pass by the moon
    10. economictimes.indiatimes.com — August 2026 Total Solar Eclipse could change everything-These zodiac signs could feel the biggest life shifts
    11. eu.usatoday.com — When can you see the solar eclipse in Washington DC?
    12. www.sciencedaily.com — A solar eclipse and the Perseid meteor shower arrive on the same day
    confidence 90%

  4. August 2026 Celestial Events Include Solar and Lunar Eclipses

    August 2026 features two eclipses and the peak of the Perseid meteor shower. A solar eclipse occurs on August 12, which coincides with the Perseids peak. This solar event is visible as a partial eclipse in Washington DC and the Northeast. A deep partial lunar eclipse will conclude the month, darkening most of the Moon. Other visible phenomena include a planet parade and Venus appearing in the west after sunset.

    Why it matters

    The alignment of a New Moon with the Perseid meteor shower provides dark skies that may enhance the visibility of the meteors. These events offer a rare concentration of major astronomical occurrences within a single month.

    What is confirmed

    • A solar eclipse and the peak of the Perseid meteor shower both occur on August 12.
    • A deep partial lunar eclipse will take place at the end of August.
    • Venus will be visible in the west after sunset.
    • The August 12 solar eclipse is visible as a partial eclipse from Washington DC and the Northeast.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The August 12 skywatching events may be the greatest in years.

    What to watch next

    • Confirmation of the exact date and time for the partial lunar eclipse.
    • Specific viewing guidelines for the August 12 solar eclipse in the Northeast.
    Sources used for this update (12)
    1. National Geographic — 9 night sky events to see in August, from a total solar eclipse to the return of the northern lights
    2. FOX 5 New York — August 2026 solar eclipse: When and how to see it from the Northeast
    3. Popular Science — August stargazing: A planet parade, two eclipses, and one scary star
    4. The Boston Globe — Two eclipses are taking place in August. Here’s where you can view them.
    5. WTOP — Eyes to the Skies: August features partial eclipses of the sun and moon
    6. Live Science — Mark your calendars: Aug. 12 could be the greatest single day and night for skywatching for years
    7. NASA Science (.gov) — What’s Up: August 2026 Skywatching Tips from NASA
    8. Island Free Press — Night Sky: Perseids meteor shower and more highlights for August
    9. mynews13.com — How to see Artemis II pass by the moon
    10. economictimes.indiatimes.com — August 2026 Total Solar Eclipse could change everything-These zodiac signs could feel the biggest life shifts
    11. eu.usatoday.com — When can you see the solar eclipse in Washington DC?
    12. www.sciencedaily.com — A solar eclipse and the Perseid meteor shower arrive on the same day
    confidence 90%