ABOVE VIDEO:A solar eclipse, one of the year’s best meteor showers, Venus at its brightest in the evening sky, and a partial lunar eclipse to close out the month. On August 12, a total solar eclipse crosses northern Russia, Greenland, Iceland, northern Spain, and a small corner of Portugal. In parts of the United States, from Alaska to North Carolina, the eclipse will be partial. Use certified eclipse glasses or a safe solar viewer whenever any part of the Sun is visible. Later that night, the Perseid meteor shower peaks under the dark skies of the New Moon. Around August 14 through 16, Venus shines low in the west after sunset, and on August 27-28, a partial lunar eclipse is visible from much of the Americas and parts of Europe and Africa.
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Skywatchers will have plenty to look forward to during August 2026, with the month featuring two eclipses, one of the year’s most popular meteor showers and an impressive appearance by Venus.
The celestial lineup begins Aug. 5 with the Last Quarter Moon. During this phase, half of the Moon’s visible surface will appear illuminated as it moves toward the New Moon phase.
The month’s biggest day for astronomy arrives Aug. 12, when a total solar eclipse crosses portions of northern Russia, Greenland, Iceland, northern Spain and a small section of Portugal.
Parts of the United States will experience a partial eclipse, although Florida will be outside the primary viewing area. NASA plans to provide live coverage for those unable to see the event locally. During a solar eclipse, viewers must use certified eclipse glasses or another approved solar viewer whenever any portion of the Sun remains visible. Regular sunglasses do not provide adequate protection. NASA eclipse information
The eclipse coincides with the New Moon, setting the stage for excellent meteor-watching conditions later that night.
The annual Perseid meteor shower is expected to peak during the evening of Aug. 12 and continue into the early morning hours of Aug. 13. With little moonlight interfering, observers in dark locations could see dozens of meteors per hour if skies remain clear.
The Perseids occur when Earth passes through a trail of debris left behind by Comet Swift-Tuttle. Small particles enter Earth’s atmosphere at high speeds and burn up, producing bright streaks that can appear anywhere across the sky.
For the best view, observers should move away from city lights, allow approximately 30 minutes for their eyes to adjust and look toward the northeast after the sky becomes fully dark. No telescope or binoculars are necessary. NASA Perseid viewing guide
From Aug. 14 through Aug. 16, Venus will reach greatest eastern elongation, placing the planet at one of its widest apparent separations from the Sun. Venus will shine brightly but remain low in the western sky shortly after sunset. Viewers will need an open western horizon because the planet will set relatively soon after the Sun.
August’s skywatching schedule concludes overnight Aug. 27–28 with a partial lunar eclipse visible from much of North and South America, along with portions of Europe and Africa.
Unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse is safe to watch without protective eyewear. The event occurs when Earth moves between the Sun and the Moon, causing part of the Moon to pass through Earth’s dark central shadow. NASA lunar eclipse schedule
As always, visibility from the Space Coast will depend on local cloud cover and weather conditions.
