Lunar eclipse set to transform night sky in August
August 2026 will feature significant astronomical events, including the peak of the Perseid meteor shower and a partial lunar eclipse. While a total solar eclipse will occur, it will only be partially visible from New England.
Why it matters
Public interest in astronomy provides educational opportunities and encourages engagement with natural phenomena, though observers must be reminded of safety precautions for solar viewing.
As we wrap up these final days of July and head into August, one of the things that will be decreasing is the amount of daylight. But for folks interested in the night sky, that means more darkness to work with, and that brings some wonderful opportunities, including a partial lunar and, to a lesser extent, solar eclipse.
August is when the night sky really gets interesting. The Perseids, the best meteor shower of the year, continue to grow in intensity and peak on the night of Aug. 12, and this time the moon actually cooperates: it’s new that same day, so skies will be dark enough to catch the show in full.
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