For astronomy enthusiasts, August 2026 will be a month to remember. Some of the most spectacular celestial phenomena—ones that are easy to observe without telescopes or other specialized equipment—will all occur during the same week.

The Perseids meteor shower will peak on Wednesday night, August 12th, coinciding with a new moon for prime viewing conditions. The meteors appear to radiate from the constellation Perseus but can streak across any part of the sky. A stargazing app might help make it easier to spot them.

The main astronomical event will be a total solar eclipse at sunset on August 12th, crossing a small sliver of Spain, Portugal, Iceland, and Greenland. The path of totality will offer an unusual—and photogenic—scene. The rest of the world will witness a partial eclipse. NASA and the European Space Agency will broadcast it live for those unable to see it in person.

Early morning on August 12th, an alignment of six planets—Jupiter, Mercury, Mars, Uranus, Saturn, and Neptune—will form an apparent line in the sky. Observing this alignment is more challenging due to the faintness of some of the planets but will be possible with a telescope or naked eye near the horizon.

The month ends on August 27th with a partial lunar eclipse covering up to 96 percent of the moon’s disk, visible across virtually the entirety of the Americas. No special equipment is needed for this one—just find a dark spot away from light pollution and prepare for the cold if you're in the southern hemisphere.