Astronomical Events in August 2026: What to See in the Sky This Month
August 2026 is packed with major celestial events — and one date stands out above all. On August 12, you can start the day with a six-planet alignment, watch a total solar eclipse later on, and finish the night under the Perseid meteor shower. The month also brings Venus at its greatest elongation, a deep partial lunar eclipse, and plenty of sky objects to admire. Use this guide to find the best astronomical events in August 2026. To check when and where each event will be visible from your exact location, open the Sky Tonight app.
Contents
- Best Astronomical Events in August 2026
- Detailed Astronomical Events Calendar in August 2026
- Moon Events in August 2026
- Planets in August 2026
- Meteor Showers in August 2026
- Constellations in August 2026
- Comets in August 2026
- Deep-Sky Objects in August 2026
Astronomical Events in August 2026: FAQ
- What is the best astronomical event in August 2026?
- When is the Full Moon in August 2026?
- When is the solar eclipse in August 2026?
- When is the lunar eclipse in August 2026?
- What planets are visible in August 2026?
- When is the Perseid meteor shower in August 2026?
- Are there any other meteor showers in August 2026?
- What constellations can I see in August 2026?
- How to navigate the August night sky with ease?
- Bonus Events for Space and Astronomy Fans in August 2026
- Astronomical Events in August 2026: Bottom Line
Best Astronomical Events in August 2026
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August 12 is shaping up to be the biggest skywatching day of the year. A 6-planet alignment will appear before sunrise, a total solar eclipse will take place later in the day, and the Perseid meteor shower will light up the night. This combination is so rare that we’ve put together a separate guide to the astronomical events of August 12. Check it out to learn how to watch each event — and where you might be able to catch all three in one day.
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On August 15, Venus — the brightest planet in the evening sky this month — will reach its greatest eastern elongation, appearing at its widest angular separation from the Sun. The view will get even better on August 16, when a thin crescent Moon joins Venus in the sky.
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On August 28, the Full Sturgeon Moon will undergo a deep partial lunar eclipse. At the peak of the eclipse, 96% of the lunar disk will be covered by Earth’s shadow, making most of the Moon appear dark red.
Detailed Astronomical Events Calendar in August 2026
Here are the main astronomical events of August 2026. The event dates are given in Greenwich Mean Time, so the dates may vary depending on the time zone. To determine the exact time of the event at your specific location, use the Sky Tonight app.
The Visibility column shows how easy each event is to observe:
- 🟢 Good — easy to spot with the naked eye under normal conditions
- 🟡 Moderate — visible, but may require some experience or optical aid
- 🔴 Poor — difficult to observe because of poor viewing conditions
- ⚫ Not visible — the event can’t be observed visually
Click the linked events to open separate guides with more details.
| Date | Event | Visibility |
|---|---|---|
| August 2 | Comet 10P/Tempel 2 at perihelion | 🟡 Moderate |
| August 2 | Mercury at greatest western elongation | 🔴 Poor |
| August 3 | Comet 10P/Tempel 2 closest to Earth | 🟡 Moderate |
| August 3 | Moon near Neptune | 🟡 Moderate |
| August 3 | Moon near Saturn | 🟢 Good |
| August 4 | Venus between Regulus and Spica | 🟡 Moderate |
| August 5 | Mars forms a triangle with Elnath and M35 | 🟡 Moderate |
| August 6 | Last Quarter Moon | 🟢 Good |
| August 7 | Eta Eridanids meteor shower peak (3 meteors per hour) | 🔴 Poor |
| August 7 | Moon near the Pleiades | 🟡 Moderate |
| August 7 | Moon near Aldebaran | 🟢 Good |
| August 7 | Moon near Uranus | 🟡 Moderate |
| August 9 | Mars near Ceres | 🟡 Moderate |
| August 9 | Moon near Mars | 🟢 Good |
| August 10 | Moon near Pollux | 🔴 Poor |
| August 11 | Moon near the Beehive | 🔴 Poor |
| August 11 | Moon near Mercury | 🔴 Poor |
| August 12 | New Moon | ⚫ Not visible |
| August 12 | Moon near Jupiter | 🔴 Poor |
| August 12 | Venus at dichotomy | 🟡 Moderate |
| August 12 | Six-planet alignment | 🟡 Moderate |
| August 12 | Total solar eclipse | 🟢 Good |
| August 12-13 | Perseids meteor shower peak | 🟢 Good |
| August 13 | Moon near Regulus | 🔴 Poor |
| August 15 | Venus at greatest elongation | 🟢 Good |
| August 15 | Jupiter near Mercury | 🔴 Poor |
| August 16 | Moon near Venus | 🟢 Good |
| August 17 | Kappa Cygnids meteor shower peak (3 meteors per hour) | 🔴 Poor |
| August 17 | Moon near Spica | 🟢 Good |
| August 20 | First Quarter Moon | 🟢 Good |
| August 21 | Moon near Antares | 🟢 Good |
| August 22 | Moon forms a triangle with M7 and M8 | 🟡 Moderate |
| August 25 | Mercury near Regulus | ⚫ Not visible |
| August 26 | Mars forms a line with Betelgeuse and Rigel | 🟢 Good |
| August 28 | Deep partial lunar eclipse | 🟢 Good |
| August 28 | Full Sturgeon Moon | 🟢 Good |
| August 28 | Asteroid 9 Metis at opposition | 🟡 Moderate |
| August 30 | Moon near Neptune | 🟡 Moderate |
| August 31 | Moon near Saturn | 🟢 Good |
Moon Events in August 2026
In August 2026, the Moon and Sun will line up to produce two major sky events: a total solar eclipse on August 12 and a partial lunar eclipse during the night of August 27–28.
New Moon and a Total Solar Eclipse on August 12
The New Moon occurs on August 12, at 17:37 GMT. The lunar disk will briefly pass in front of the Sun and create a total solar eclipse. It will be the first total solar eclipse visible from mainland Europe since 1999, as well as a rare low-Sun “sunset eclipse.” Totality will be visible from Arctic Russia, Greenland, Iceland, the northeastern tip of Portugal, northern Spain, and the Balearic Islands. Much of Europe, parts of North America, and other regions of the Northern Hemisphere will see a partial eclipse.
The eclipse will unfold globally from 15:34 GMT to 19:57 GMT, reaching its maximum at 17:46 GMT. These are not the viewing times for every location — your local timing will depend on where you are.
And one important reminder: never look at the Sun without proper protection. Use certified eclipse glasses during every partial phase. Regular sunglasses are not safe, and cameras, binoculars, and telescopes need proper solar filters.
Learn more: Total Solar Eclipse 2026
Full Moon and a Partial Lunar Eclipse on August 28
The Full Moon will occur on August 28 at 04:18 GMT. It is traditionally known as the Sturgeon Moon because August was considered the best time of year to catch sturgeon. Other traditional names include the Corn Moon, Ricing Moon, and Black Cherries Moon. The Moon will be located in the constellation Aquarius at the moment it reaches its full phase.
Learn more: Full Moon on August 28
Almost at the same time, a deep partial lunar eclipse will reach its maximum at 04:12 GMT. At that point, 96% of the lunar disk will be inside Earth’s umbra, making the Moon appear almost entirely red. The best views will be from the Americas, especially eastern and central North America, Central America, and South America. Observers in parts of Europe and Africa will be able to see the eclipse low above the horizon near the moonset. The entire eclipse will last for more than five hours, from 01:23 GMT to 07:01 GMT.
Learn more: Partial Lunar Eclipse on August 28, 2026
Moon Phases in August 2026
- Last Quarter: August 6, 02:21 GMT
- New Moon: August 12, 17:37 GMT
- First Quarter: August 20, 02:46 GMT
- Full Moon: August 28, 04:18 GMT
| Date | Moon phase | Moon visibility |
|---|---|---|
| August 6 | Last Quarter | Best seen in the morning. Through a telescope, you can observe details of the lunar surface along the terminator — the line between light and shadow. |
| August 12 | New Moon | The Moon itself won’t be visible. During the day, however, it will pass in front of the Sun and create a total solar eclipse. |
| August 20 | First Quarter | Best seen in the evening. |
| August 28 | Full Moon | The Moon rises around sunset and remains visible until dawn. On this night, it will also pass through Earth’s shadow during a deep partial lunar eclipse. |
To check the exact moonrise and moonset times for your location on any date and plan your observations, use our dedicated lunar calendar.
Bright Dots Near the Moon in August 2026
The Moon will meet several planets, bright stars, and deep-sky objects throughout August.
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August 3 — Moon near Saturn: Look for the Moon and the golden planet Saturn close together in the sky. Both objects will be bright enough to see without any optical equipment.
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August 7 — Moon near Aldebaran: The Moon will pass 10°38′ from Aldebaran, the bright orange eye of Taurus. The star’s warm color should make a striking contrast with the Moon.
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August 7 — Moon near the Pleiades: Before dawn, the waning crescent Moon will pass close to the Pleiades, the famous Seven Sisters star cluster. Across much of the contiguous United States, the Moon will move directly in front of the cluster and temporarily hide several of its stars. Elsewhere, observers will see a close pairing. Binoculars will reveal more cluster members, but check the exact visibility and timing for your location.
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August 9 — Moon near Mars: Mars will appear beside the Moon as a reddish point of light. The pair will be visible to the naked eye.
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August 16 — Moon near Venus: A thin waxing crescent Moon will shine close to brilliant Venus after sunset. This will be one of the month’s most eye-catching lunar pairings.
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August 17 — Moon near Spica: The Moon will meet Spica, the brightest star in Virgo. Look for the blue-white star close to the lunar disk.
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August 21 — Moon near Antares: The Moon will pass close to reddish Antares, the brightest star in Scorpius. Its distinctive color will make the star easy to recognize.
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August 22 — Moon, M7, and M8 form a triangle: The Moon will form a wide triangle with the Ptolemy Cluster (M7) and the Lagoon Nebula (M8). Use binoculars and observe from a dark location to see these deep-sky objects more clearly.
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August 30 — Moon near Neptune: Neptune will appear close to the Moon, but the distant planet is too faint to see with the naked eye. Binoculars or a telescope and a sky map will help you locate it.
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August 31 — Moon near Saturn: The Moon will meet Saturn for the second time in August. The bright pair will be easy to spot without optical equipment.
Planets in August 2026
In August, Venus rules the evening sky on its own, while the other planets gather before sunrise for a spectacular planetary alignment on August 12.
Mercury stays close to the horizon and disappears into the Sun’s glare by the end of the month. Jupiter, meanwhile, returns to the morning sky and becomes easier to spot as August goes on. Saturn and Mars are also visible to the naked eye before dawn. Uranus and Neptune appear in the morning too, but you’ll need optical aid to see them.
Learn more: Planets Visible Tonight
| Planet | Best seen with | When to see | Aug 1–10 | Aug 11–20 | Aug 21–31 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercury | Naked eye | Morning | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | ⚫ Not visible |
| Venus | Naked eye | Evening | 🟢 Good | 🟢 Good | 🟢 Good |
| Mars | Naked eye | Morning | 🟢 Good | 🟢 Good | 🟢 Good |
| Jupiter | Naked eye | Morning | ⚫ Not visible | 🔴 Poor | 🟡 Moderate |
| Saturn | Naked eye | Morning | 🟢 Good | 🟢 Good | 🟢 Good |
| Uranus | Binoculars or telescope | Morning | 🟡 Moderate | 🟡 Moderate | 🟡 Moderate |
| Neptune | Telescope | Morning | 🟡 Moderate | 🟡 Moderate | 🟡 Moderate |
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Mercury (Gemini, Cancer, Leo; mag from 0.4 to -1.5): Mercury remains a difficult morning target throughout August in both hemispheres. It reaches its greatest western elongation on August 2, but stays low in the twilight and is visible for only a short time before sunrise. It passes near the slender Moon on August 11, joins the six-planet alignment on August 12, and approaches Jupiter on August 15. By August 27, Mercury reaches conjunction with the Sun and disappears into its glare.
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Venus (Virgo; mag -4.6): Venus is the brightest planet in the evening sky and remains easy to spot throughout the month. It stays relatively low after sunset in the Northern Hemisphere but appears higher from southern latitudes. On August 12, Venus reaches dichotomy and appears half illuminated through a telescope. It reaches its greatest eastern elongation on August 15, followed by a picturesque meeting with a thin waxing crescent Moon on August 16.
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Mars (Taurus, Gemini; mag 1.2): Mars rises late at night and is well placed by the time morning twilight begins. It appears near the Moon on August 9 and joins the pre-dawn planetary alignment on August 12.
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Jupiter (Cancer; mag -1.8): Jupiter gradually returns to the morning sky after passing behind the Sun. It becomes increasingly noticeable as the month progresses. From the Northern Hemisphere, observing conditions improve from poor to good; from southern latitudes, Jupiter remains lower above the horizon and is especially difficult to spot early in the month. It appears near the Moon and joins the planetary alignment on August 12, and meets Mercury on August 15.
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Saturn (Pisces; mag 0.4): Saturn rises well before dawn and has time to climb to a good observing height before sunrise. It appears near the waning Moon on August 3 and joins the six-planet alignment on August 12.
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Uranus (Taurus; mag 5.8): Uranus spends August between the Pleiades and Hyades star clusters, which can serve as convenient guides. It rises late at night and climbs fairly high before dawn. The Moon passes nearby on August 7. Also, Uranus joins the planetary lineup on August 12. Binoculars will make it much easier to identify.
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Neptune (Pisces; mag 7.6): Neptune rises late at night and reaches a comfortable observing height before dawn. It appears near the waning Moon on August 3 and joins the August 12 planetary alignment. Neptune is too faint for naked-eye viewing, so use a telescope or powerful binoculars under a dark sky.
6-Planet Alignment on August 12
On August 12, about an hour before sunrise, six planets will stretch across the sky. Mercury and Jupiter will sit low near the horizon, while the other planets will appear higher up. Four of them — Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn — can be spotted with the naked eye, but you’ll need binoculars or a telescope to find Uranus and Neptune. Look for a clear eastern horizon and get away from city lights for the best view.
Learn more: Six-planet alignment on August 12, 2026
Venus at Greatest Elongation on August 15
On August 15, Venus will reach its greatest eastern elongation, appearing about 45°53′ away from the Sun — its widest angular separation during this evening apparition. Look for the brightest planet in the sky above the western horizon after sunset. The show continues on August 16, when a thin waxing crescent Moon joins Venus, creating a beautiful naked-eye pairing.
Bright Dots Near the Planets in August 2026
In August, planets will create several eye-catching patterns with bright stars and deep-sky objects. These apparent formations are caused by perspective, but they can make the planets much easier to recognize.
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August 4 — Venus between Regulus and Spica: Brilliant Venus will appear between Regulus, the brightest star in Leo, and Spica, the brightest star in Virgo. The three objects will form a long line in the evening sky. Venus will be by far the brightest point, while Regulus and Spica will mark opposite ends of the pattern.
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August 5 — Mars, Elnath, and M35 form a triangle: Mars will form a triangle with Elnath, the second-brightest star in Taurus, and the open star cluster M35 in Gemini. Mars and Elnath will be visible to the naked eye, but binoculars will help reveal the many stars of M35.
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August 26 — Mars lines up with Betelgeuse and Rigel: Mars will appear in a nearly straight line with Betelgeuse and Rigel, the two famous bright stars of Orion. Their contrasting colors will make the pattern especially attractive: reddish Mars and Betelgeuse will stand out against blue-white Rigel.
Meteor Showers in August 2026
The Perseids will undoubtedly be the biggest and most anticipated meteor shower of August 2026. At their peak, they can produce up to 100 meteors per hour — and this year, the maximum falls on the New Moon on August 12. With no moonlight to wash out the display, observers, especially from mid-northern latitudes, have an excellent chance of seeing the Perseids at their best.
Find a wide-open spot away from city lights and give your eyes time to adjust to the darkness. Don’t stare directly at the radiant or focus on one small part of the sky: meteors can flash into view anywhere overhead.
But August isn’t all about the Perseids. You can warm up for the month’s main event on August 7, when the η-Eridanids reach their peak. This modest shower produces only around three meteors per hour, but its fast-moving streaks can still be fun to catch. It is best viewed from the Southern Hemisphere, and the 37%-lit Moon should leave observers with some dark-sky time.
Once the Perseids have passed, there’s one more small shower to look out for. The κ-Cygnids peak on August 17, producing around three meteors per hour. Their numbers may be low, but they are known for slow-moving meteors and occasional bright fireballs. The shower is best seen from the Northern Hemisphere, and the thin crescent Moon should cause little interference.
| Date | Meteor shower | Meteors/hour | Moon illumination | Best visible from |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 7 | η-Eridanids | 3 | 37% | Southern Hemisphere |
| August 12–13 | Perseids | 100 | 0% | Northern Hemisphere |
| August 17 | κ-Cygnids | 3 | 26% | Northern Hemisphere |
Learn more: Meteor Showers from June to September
Constellations in August 2026
In the Northern Hemisphere, August is a great time to explore Sagittarius, Lyra, and Scutum. Sagittarius is especially rich in bright star fields and deep-sky objects, while compact Scutum lies along the Milky Way. Lyra is easier to recognize thanks to brilliant Vega, one of the brightest stars in the summer sky.
From the Southern Hemisphere, observers can see Sagittarius and Scutum along with Telescopium and Corona Australis. This part of the sky is packed with stars, clusters, and nebulae, so a dark location away from city lights will make a big difference.
Learn more: Constellations in August
Comets in August 2026
Comet 10P/Tempel 2 will be the main comet to watch in August 2026. It reaches perihelion — its closest point to the Sun — on August 2 and makes its closest approach to Earth on August 3, passing about 0.41 AU away. Around that time, the comet may brighten to magnitude 8, making it visible through large binoculars or a telescope under a dark sky.
Tempel 2 is expected to be best visible from the Southern Hemisphere. Don’t expect a spectacular naked-eye comet: it will most likely look like a small, fuzzy patch, and you’ll need a detailed sky map to locate it.
Learn more: Comet 10P/Tempel 2
Deep-Sky Objects in August 2026
In the Northern Hemisphere, August is a great time to look for the Andromeda Galaxy, the Dumbbell Nebula, the Hercules Globular Cluster, and the Wild Duck Cluster. Some are visible in binoculars, while others reveal much more through a telescope.
In the Southern Hemisphere, turn your attention to the rich star fields around Sagittarius. The Lagoon Nebula, the Helix Nebula, and the Great Sagittarius Cluster are among the month’s best targets, especially under dark skies away from city lights.
Learn more: Best Deep-Sky Objects by Month: August
Astronomical Events in August 2026: FAQ
What is the best astronomical event in August 2026?
August 12 will be the biggest skywatching day of the month — and possibly the entire year. A six-planet alignment will appear before sunrise, a total solar eclipse will occur later in the day, and the Perseid meteor shower will peak after dark. Depending on your location, you may be able to see all three events within 24 hours. Learn more in our guide to the astronomical events of August 12, 2026.
When is the Full Moon in August 2026?
The Full Moon will occur on August 28, 2026, at 04:18 GMT. It is traditionally known as the Sturgeon Moon and will be located in the constellation Aquarius. Explore the details in our article about the Full Moon on August 28.
When is the solar eclipse in August 2026?
The total solar eclipse will occur on August 12, 2026. It will begin at 15:34 GMT, reach its maximum at 17:46 GMT, and end at 19:57 GMT. Totality will be visible from Greenland, Iceland, northern Spain, the Balearic Islands, the northeastern tip of Portugal, and parts of Arctic Russia. A partial eclipse will be visible across a much wider area. Learn more in our complete guide to the total solar eclipse of August 12, 2026.
When is the lunar eclipse in August 2026?
A deep partial lunar eclipse will take place on August 28, 2026. It will last from 01:23 to 07:01 GMT and reach its maximum at 04:12 GMT. At that moment, 96% of the lunar disk will be covered by Earth’s umbra, making the Moon appear almost entirely red. The eclipse will be best seen from the Americas. Observers in parts of Europe and Africa will see it low above the horizon near the moonset. Learn more: Partial Lunar Eclipse on August 28, 2026.
What planets are visible in August 2026?
Venus will be the brightest planet in the evening sky throughout August. Before sunrise, you can see Mars, Saturn, and Jupiter with the naked eye. Mercury will remain low above the horizon and become increasingly difficult to observe later in the month. Uranus and Neptune will also appear in the morning sky, but you’ll need binoculars or a telescope to find them. On August 12, six planets — Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune — will form a large arc across the morning sky. Learn more about the upcoming six-planet alignment on August 12.
When is the Perseid meteor shower in August 2026?
The Perseids will peak during the night of August 12–13, producing up to 100 meteors per hour under ideal conditions. The peak coincides with the New Moon, so there will be no bright moonlight to wash out faint meteors. The best views are expected from the Northern Hemisphere. Learn more in our guide to the Perseid meteor shower.
Are there any other meteor showers in August 2026?
Yes. The η-Eridanids will peak on August 7, producing around three meteors per hour and favoring observers in the Southern Hemisphere. The κ-Cygnids will follow on August 17. Their hourly rate is also low, but the shower sometimes produces slow, bright fireballs and is best viewed from the Northern Hemisphere.
What constellations can I see in August 2026?
In the Northern Hemisphere, August is a good month to observe Sagittarius, Lyra, and Scutum. From the Southern Hemisphere, look for Sagittarius, Scutum, Telescopium, and Corona Australis. For the best view of their fainter stars and nearby deep-sky objects, choose a dark location and observe around the New Moon on August 12. Learn more in our guide to the constellations visible in August.
How to navigate the August night sky with ease?
To locate celestial objects, use the Sky Tonight mobile app, an interactive sky map. It's a free app with a vast, regularly updated database. The best part is that it works offline, so you can use it while camping or hiking. Simply open the app, point your device at the sky, and it will show you what's up there. If you want to become a pro at exploring the night sky, there are also video tutorials to help you get started.
Bonus Events for Space and Astronomy Fans in August 2026
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August 1 – Women Astronomers Day. Many groundbreaking astronomers have been women. Vera Rubin, for example, provided some of the strongest evidence for the existence of dark matter. Celebrate the day by reading about five outstanding women astronomers.
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August 6 – Sailor Moon Day. The main Sailor Moon celebration falls on June 30, Usagi Tsukino’s birthday, but some fans also mark a second Sailor Moon Day on August 6. And who says the series has nothing to do with astronomy? It features the Moon, Venus, Mars, Phobos, Deimos, and even Pluto. Check out our infographics on 10 mind-blowing Moon facts — not the Moon Prism, but still full of power.
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August 8 – International Cat Day. Believe it or not, this holiday has an astronomical side too: the Universe is full of cosmic cats. We’ve gathered the best of them in a special article about the cats you can find in the sky, so be sure to take a look.
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August 19 – Anniversary of Belka and Strelka’s spaceflight. We’ve celebrated cats — now let’s give space dogs their due! On this day in 1960, Belka and Strelka became the first animals to orbit Earth and return safely. Read the remarkable story of Belka and Strelka.
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August 24 – Pluto Demotion Day. The International Astronomical Union has classified Pluto as a dwarf planet rather than a planet since 2006. Many space fans still disagree, though, and the debate is far from over. Read our article about Pluto — there’s no better day for it.
Astronomical Events in August 2026: Bottom Line
August 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting months for skywatchers in years. The highlight is August 12, when a six-planet alignment, a total solar eclipse, and the peak of the Perseids all happen within the same day. Later in the month, Venus reaches its greatest elongation, and the Full Sturgeon Moon passes almost completely through Earth’s shadow during a deep partial lunar eclipse. Mark the key dates, find a dark location with a clear horizon, and check the weather before heading outside. You can use the Sky Tonight app to see which events are visible from your location, find celestial objects in the sky, and plan the best time for your observations.
