New Delhi: A total solar eclipse, a planetary alignment, a new moon and the annual Perseid meteor shower will coincide on 12 August, making it one of the busiest days on the 2026 astronomical calendar, according to NASA.
The day will begin with a pre-dawn planetary alignment, often referred to as a “planetary parade,” followed by a total solar eclipse visible across portions of the Northern Hemisphere. And later today the new moon will bring dark skies for the Perseid meteor shower, expected to peak overnight 12 August and 13.
The total solar eclipse will cross northern Russia, Greenland, Iceland, northern Spain and a small part of Portugal, NASA said in the August edition of What’s Up: Skywatching Tips.
People in the narrow path will get to see the Moon completely cover the Sun for a brief period of time. Those outside of the path of totality will only see a partial eclipse .
It will also be seen as a partial eclipse across a wide swath of Europe, northern Africa, northern and western Asia and parts of North America. In the United States, observers from Alaska to North Carolina will see the Moon cover part of the Sun, the amount depending on location.
Not visible in India
The eclipse will not be visible in India. NASA has advised people to wear certified eclipse glasses or approved solar viewers any time any part of the Sun is visible. Normal sunglasses do not give enough protection and binoculars, telescopes and cameras should only be used with suitable solar filters fitted.
Before sunrise, skywatchers in several regions may also witness the planetary alignment. According to USA Today, Mercury, Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune will appear lined up across the morning sky. Mars, Mercury, Jupiter and Saturn are expected to be visible to the naked eye under favourable conditions, while Uranus will require binoculars and Neptune a telescope.
The new Moon will also create perfect viewing conditions for the Perseid meteor shower, one of the most active meteor showers of the year. The shower comes every year as the Earth passes through a stream of debris left behind by Comet Swift-Tuttle. When these tiny bits enter the Earth’s atmosphere at high speeds they burn up, creating bright streaks of light known as shooting stars.
NASA recommends watching the shower from a dark location away from city lights after midnight. Observers should look towards the northeastern sky as the constellation Perseus rises, although meteors can streak across any part of the sky. Allowing about 30 minutes for eyes to adjust to the darkness can improve visibility.
According to reports cited by MyNorthwest and National Geographic, observers under clear, dark skies could see up to 100 meteors an hour during the shower’s peak.
While the four events will not be visible from all locations, astronomers say their convergence on one single day is rare.
(Edited by Stela Dey)
