The eighth month of 2026 will deliver a true spectacle in the sky for space observation enthusiasts, bringing a calendar full of attractions. Among the main astronomical events, the alignment that will generate partial eclipses of the Sun and Moon, in addition to the long-awaited peak of the Perseid meteor shower, stands out. People on different continents will have the chance to admire these wonders of the universe, whether using amateur telescopes or just looking at the sky with the naked eye.
What you need to know to safely monitor partial sun blocking
The first major highlight occurs on August 12, 2026, when the Moon’s shadow will cover part of our main star between 1:17 pm and 2:27 pm, in the Brasília time zone. The visibility of this phenomenon will depend greatly on the observer’s geographic location, reaching its totality in specific areas such as Iceland, Greenland, northern Russian territory, Spain and a restricted strip of Portugal. On the other hand, residents of regions such as the American capital, Washington D.C., will only notice a slight 1% shadow on the sun’s disk.
Experts reinforce that looking at the star without adequate protection during the event can cause serious burns to the retina and permanent blindness. To ensure risk-free viewing, it is mandatory to use glasses with international ISO certification or black polymer filters adapted for camera and cell phone lenses. Those who want to record the moment with their smartphone can use applications focused on astrophotography, such as Solar Snap, which optimizes exposure and prevents damage to the device’s sensor.
Debris from comet Swift-Tuttle ensures a bright spectacle during the early hours of the morning
Soon after, during the early hours of August 12 and 13, 2026, the sky will be the stage for the peak of the Perseids, historically recognized as the brightest and most constant meteor shower in the astronomical calendar. As the Moon’s new phase occurs hours before, the sky will be dark enough to guarantee perfect contrast. This luminous show is caused by our planet’s passage through the dust cloud left by comet Swift-Tuttle, discovered in 1862, whose fragments burn up upon entering the Earth’s atmosphere.
Learn more: Dark skies boost visibility of the Perseid meteor shower that will peak on August 13
To make the most of the fall of the popular shooting stars, the main recommendation is to escape large urban centers and look for rural regions free from visual pollution. There is no need to invest in binoculars or spotting scopes; The ideal is to lie down in a reclining chair, give your eyes time to get used to the darkness and observe the celestial vault. Although the trails of light appear to emerge from the constellation Perseus, they cut across all directions of the night firmament.
Full sturgeon moon takes on a reddish hue at the end of the month
Heading towards the end of August, between the 27th and 28th, Earth’s natural satellite will experience a partial lunar eclipse of great depth during the so-called Sturgeon Moon. The shading process is scheduled to begin at 9:23 pm on the 27th, lasting through the night until 3:01 am on the 28th, always considering Brasília time. During this period, the lunar surface will take on a striking copper tone, providing a dramatic view that can be seen from several countries.
Unlike the solar event, observing the eclipsed Moon is completely safe for human vision and does not require the use of sunglasses or filters. The best strategy is to find an environment with few artificial lights around, which highlights the satellite’s copper color against the dark background of space. Amateur photographers equipped with modern cell phones or professional cameras will be able to capture excellent photos, simply using a tripod to stabilize the image and hoping for favorable weather conditions.
Complete guide to planetary conjunctions and movements in the solar system
The astronomical calendar goes far beyond eclipses, offering perfect nights to track the arm of the Milky Way and the constellations typical of summer in the northern hemisphere. The ballet of the planets will also provide excellent opportunities for contemplation, with apparent encounters between bright stars and the Moon throughout the weeks:
On the same topic: 2026 Perseid meteor shower will have rare visibility with new moon
- August 7: The Moon in its thinnest crescent phase appears next to the Pleiades cluster, in an easterly direction, shortly before Sunrise.
- August 9: The planet Mars displays its reddish glow close to the crescent Moon on the eastern horizon, also during the early hours of the morning.
- August 10: The binary star Algol drastically reduces its luminosity, reaching its minimum point near 2:23 am.
- August 11: The small planet Mercury rises in the east accompanied by a thin lunar trace, anticipating dawn.
- August 15: The giants Jupiter and Mercury make an extreme visual approach in the eastern sky, moments before daylight.
- August 15: On the same day, Venus meets the crescent Moon on the west side, shortly after the king star hides on the horizon.
- August 20: The supergiant star Antares pairs with the Moon in the waxing gibbous phase, shining southward in the early evening.
- August 30: The Algol star system repeats its dimming cycle, marking a new brightness minimum at 4:06 am.
To facilitate the planning of observation sessions, it is important to follow the transitions of the lunar cycle during the month:
- August 6: Beginning of the Last Quarter phase.
- August 12: Arrival of the New Moon, coinciding with partial blocking of the Sun.
- August 20: Transition to the First Quarter.
- August 28: Peak of the Full Sturgeon Moon, crowned by deep partial shadowing.
NASA’s historic launch and scientific tourism options
The aerospace exploration sector will also have an important milestone on August 30, 2026, with the sending of the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope into space. The equipment will take off from the Kennedy Space Center, located in Florida, with the mission of investigating dark energy and searching for exoplanets using a field of view one hundred times larger than that of Hubble. The American space agency will provide full coverage of the mission online, allowing the global public to follow the countdown in real time.
More on this story: Peak of the Perseid meteor shower approaches with new moon: find out how and where to see the spectacle
For those who prefer to experience science in practice, the period is ideal to look for special programs in planetariums, museums and ecological parks. Associations of amateur astronomers often set up camps and promote free telescope handling workshops, creating a perfect environment for exchanging knowledge. Night photography enthusiasts can use star mapping software to calculate the trajectory of the stars and ensure the perfect photo without leaving home.