What’s Up: August 2026 Skywatching Tips from NASA

On August 12, a total solar eclipse will cross northern Russia, Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain, with parts of Portugal also in the path of totality. In the U.S., from Alaska to North Carolina, the eclipse will appear as a partial event, with the Moon covering only a portion of the Sun. Observers must use certified eclipse glasses or a solar viewer to watch safely, as regular sunglasses are not sufficient. The eclipse will peak at different times depending on location, requiring viewers to check local timing for optimal viewing.

The same night as the solar eclipse, the Perseid meteor shower will peak, offering one of the year’s most reliable displays of shooting stars. With a New Moon on August 12, skies will be dark, enhancing visibility. The meteors originate from debris left by Comet Swift-Tuttle, burning up as they enter Earth’s atmosphere. To observe, look northeast after dark for the constellation Perseus, though meteors can appear anywhere in the sky. For the best experience, find a dark, open area and allow 30 minutes for eyes to adjust to the darkness.

Venus will reach its greatest eastern elongation between August 14 and 16, appearing at its widest separation from the Sun during its current evening apparition. The planet will be visible low in the western sky shortly after sunset, shining brighter than any surrounding star. Through a telescope, Venus will resemble a half-lit moon, offering a distinct crescent shape. This phase provides an opportunity for skywatchers to observe the planet’s changing appearance as it orbits the Sun.

A deep partial lunar eclipse will occur on the night of August 27, continuing into August 28 for some time zones. Visible from much of North and South America, as well as parts of Europe and Africa, the eclipse will see about 93% of the Moon’s diameter pass through Earth’s central shadow. The Moon will darken dramatically, taking on a rusty or coppery hue along the covered edge. Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are safe to view with the naked eye, though binoculars or a telescope can provide a closer look at Earth’s curved shadow moving across the lunar surface.