The August 2026 night sky will present a host of events for your viewing pleasure.
🔭Month-Long Event
Early risers can catch the planet parade throughout the month, although a telescope or other device will be needed to view all the visible planets. This occurs in the pre-dawn hours.
📆Events by Date
August 2 – An opportunity to catch the smallest planet in our solar system as it enters its greatest western elongation. Due to its size and closeness to the sun, Mercury is often difficult to spot.
August 7 – The Lunar Occulation of Pleiades. This one requires staying up late to witness, as it will occur after midnight for much of the U.S.
August 12 – The middle of the month will offer a total solar eclipse, but only a small slivee of it will be seen by the eastern U.S. Don’t despair – the end of the month offers a partial lunar eclipse for most of the U.S.
August 12- 13 – While much of the U.S. will miss out on the solar eclipse, there’s another event ocurring at the same time – the peak of the Perseid meteor shower.
August 27-28 – The final big event of August 2026 is a partial lunar eclipse. Happening around midnight for the east coast and about 9:00 PM for western states. All others adjust for your time zone or use an app.
💬Please post your viewing experiences in the comment section and check out the Family At-home Activities for more fun learning activities.
👁️See you in September!
ADDITIONAL REFERENCES
9 night sky events to see in August, from a total solar eclipse to the return of the northern lights
A total solar eclipse will occur this summer. Everything you need to know
How to spot the Perseid meteor shower, a summer light show that promises to dazzle
From the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
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