August 2026 promises to be a spectacular month for astronomy lovers, with an agenda full of celestial phenomena. Highlights include two partial eclipses — one of the sun and one of the moon — and the traditional and intense Perseid meteor shower, which reaches its peak of activity. Observers in different parts of the world will have the opportunity to follow these cosmic manifestations, some with the naked eye and others with the help of specific equipment.
Partial solar eclipse requires essential observation care
A partial solar eclipse can be seen on August 12, 2026, starting at around 1:17 pm and ending at 2:27 pm Brasília time, with visibility varying by location. In some regions of the planet, such as Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, the Atlantic Ocean, Spain and a small portion of Portugal, the phenomenon will be total. However, in other areas, such as the Washington D.C. region, sun occultation will be minimal, approximately 1%.
It is essential to adopt strict safety measures to protect your vision. Observing the sun directly without adequate protection can cause irreversible damage to your eyes. Always use certified solar eclipse glasses or specific solar filters for cameras and smartphones, purchased from reliable suppliers that meet safety standards. Photographing the event with a smartphone is possible using specialized applications, such as Solar Snap, which helps in safely capturing the image.
Perseid meteor shower reaches its peak with great visibility
The nights of August 12 and 13, 2026 will be the peak period of the Perseid meteor shower, considered one of the most dazzling of the year. The absence of interference from the new moon, which occurred earlier on August 12, will create ideal conditions for observation. This phenomenon occurs when the Earth crosses the trail of debris left by comet Swift-Tuttle, and the small fragments enter the atmosphere, generating the famous “shooting stars”.
For an unforgettable experience, look for a location away from city lights, with minimal light pollution. No special equipment is needed to see the Perseids; just lie down comfortably and look at the sky. The meteors appear to radiate from the constellation Perseus, but can be seen anywhere in the firmament.
Deep partial lunar eclipse turns sturgeon moon into phenomenon
At the end of the month, between August 27 and 28, 2026, the full sturgeon moon will experience a deep partial lunar eclipse. The show will begin on August 27th, at 9:23 pm, and will run until 3:01 am on August 28th, Brasília time. During the event, the moon takes on a copper color, a stunning visual effect that can be seen from different parts of the world.
This type of eclipse is visible to the naked eye and does not require special protection. The ideal is to observe it in places with little artificial lighting, allowing the “copper-colored” moon to stand out amidst a sea of stars. Photographing this phenomenon with smartphones or digital cameras can yield impressive images, especially for those looking for good framing and a clear sky.
August celestial calendar with other conjunctions and phases of the moon
In addition to eclipses and meteor showers, August has other interesting events in store for sky watchers. The month is excellent for contemplating the summer constellations and the Milky Way, which stretch from the northeast to the southeast after dark. Several planetary and moon conjunctions will also be visible:
- August 7th:A thin crescent moon follows the Pleiades in the east, before dawn.
- August 9:Reddish Mars and the crescent moon are seen side by side in the pre-dawn eastern sky.
- August 10:The star Algol reaches its minimum brightness at around 2:23 am.
- August 11:Mercury and a very thin crescent moon rise above the eastern horizon before dawn.
- August 15:Jupiter and Mercury form a very close pair on the eastern horizon before dawn.
- August 15:Venus and the crescent moon meet in the west after sunset.
- August 20:The gibbous crescent moon and the star Antares are close together in the south after dark.
- August 30th:The star Algol reaches its minimum brightness again at around 4:06 am.
- The phases of the moon in August 2026 will be:
- August 6:Last Quarter
- August 12:New moon (and partial solar eclipse)
- August 20:Crescent quarter
- August 28:Full Sturgeon Moon (and partial deep lunar eclipse)
Telescope launch and other astronomical activities in 2026
For those who want to delve deeper into astronomy, August 2026 also marks the launch of the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, scheduled for August 30, from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. NASA will broadcast the event live, offering an opportunity to follow an important milestone in space exploration.
Those interested in in-person activities can search for events in national or state parks that offer sky observation programs. Astronomy clubs and science museums often host observing sessions and lectures, which are excellent ways to learn more and interact with other enthusiasts. For astrophotographers, there are online tools that let you create custom star charts and helpful guides for planning your shooting sessions.
