August 2026 Skygazing: Partial Solar and Lunar Eclipses Arrive

Skywatchers in August 2026 can look forward to a month filled with astronomical wonders, highlighted by a partial solar eclipse and a deep partial lunar eclipse. The celestial events offer prime viewing opportunities following sunset and before dawn, with the Milky Way also prominently displayed across the Northern Hemisphere.

The month's astronomical highlight is an “eclipse season,” featuring both the sun and moon. A partial solar eclipse is set to occur on August 12. While a full total eclipse will be visible in regions like Greenland, Iceland, and parts of Spain, viewers in the D.C. area will witness approximately 1% of the sun obscured. NASA will provide live coverage of the solar eclipse event.

Perseid Meteor Shower Peaks Amidst Eclipses

Following the solar eclipse, the night of August 12 and into August 13 marks the peak of the annual Perseid meteor shower. This year, the new moon occurring earlier on August 12 means minimal light interference, promising an exceptional display of shooting stars. This shower is a perennial favorite, known for its bright meteors.

The celestial calendar for August also includes several planetary conjunctions. On August 7, a slender lunar crescent will grace the eastern sky before dawn, near the Pleiades star cluster. Mars and a thin crescent moon will appear together on August 9, also in the pre-dawn east. Later in the month, on August 15, Jupiter and Mercury will form a tight pair very low on the eastern horizon shortly before sunrise, requiring binoculars for clear viewing.

Venus will be visible in the western sky after sunset, accompanied by the crescent moon on August 15. Antares, a prominent star, will be in close proximity to a bright waxing gibbous moon after dark on August 20.

The month concludes with a significant deep partial lunar eclipse of the full sturgeon moon. This event begins on the evening of August 27, running into the early morning hours of August 28. Unlike the solar eclipse, this lunar event is visible over a much wider area, offering a striking view of the moon turning a coppery hue as it passes through Earth's shadow.

For those planning to photograph these events, especially the solar eclipse, eye safety is paramount. It is crucial to use certified solar viewers and filters that meet ISO standards, as counterfeit or substandard products can cause severe eye damage. Several apps and online resources are available to assist photographers, including specific guidance for smartphone users aiming to capture astrophotography.

Beyond eclipses and meteor showers, August 2026 provides excellent opportunities to observe planets. Mercury, Mars, and Jupiter will be visible in the eastern sky before dawn, while Venus can be seen in the west after sunset. Saturn will be present from late evening through dawn, and Uranus and Neptune will be observable in the western sky after dark, though telescope assistance is recommended for the latter two. The summer constellations and the Milky Way galaxy will be prominent features of the night sky, especially in darker locations away from city lights.