NASA announced August 2026 skywatching events, including a total solar eclipse crossing northern Russia, Greenland, Iceland, northern Spain and a small part of Portugal, a partial solar eclipse visible in parts of the United States, the Perseid meteor shower peaking August 12-13, Venus reaching greatest eastern elongation August 14-16, and a partial lunar eclipse on August 27-28.

The total solar eclipse occurs on August 12, with the path of totality moving across the mentioned regions; a New Moon coincides with the event, making the eclipse observable without additional lighting conditions. In the United States, observers in Alaska through North Carolina will see a partial phase, with coverage varying by location. NASA cautioned viewers to use certified eclipse glasses or a solar viewer; regular sunglasses are unsafe, and optical instruments must be equipped with solar filters.

The Perseid meteor shower, caused by debris from Comet Swift‑Tuttle, reaches its peak during the night of August 12 into the early morning of August 13, when a New Moon provides dark skies. Viewers are advised to look toward the northeast after darkness, locate the constellation Perseus, and allow eyes 30 minutes to adapt for optimal observation.

From August 14 to 16, Venus attains its greatest eastern elongation, appearing at its brightest low in the western sky after sunset. With a telescope, the planet shows a partially illuminated disc resembling a lunar phase.

A partial lunar eclipse occurs on August 27, continuing into August 28 in some time zones, visible across much of North and South America and parts of Europe and Africa. At maximum, about 93 percent of the Moon's diameter lies within Earth's umbra, giving the Moon a darkened, coppery appearance. Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses can be viewed safely with the unaided eye; binoculars or a small telescope may be used for a closer view of the shadow.

NASA encourages the public to monitor science.nasa.gov for updates on solar system missions and additional skywatching information.