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- August will present six celestial shows: which astronomical events are definitely not to be missed
August will present six celestial shows: which astronomical events are definitely not to be missed
August 2026 will be one of the busiest months for observing the sky. Full moons, new moons, solar and lunar eclipses, the peak of the Perseid meteor shower and a rare parade of planets are expected within a few weeks. The information about when exactly the key astronomical events will take place is in the Izvestia article.
The main astronomical events of August 2026
August 2026 will be rich in astronomical events. In addition to the standard new moon and full moon, space lovers will be waiting:
- Total solar eclipse — August 12th;
- The peak of the Perseid meteor shower is the night of August 12-13;
- The Great Parade of Planets — August 12th;
- A partial lunar eclipse is on August 28.
Also on August 2, comet 10P/Tempel 2 will reach perihelion, the point closest to the Sun in its orbit. This will make it much brighter, and it can be seen through binoculars or a telescope in the night sky, both in the Northern and Southern hemispheres.
In addition, a number of spectacular Moon encounters with other objects in the night sky are expected in August. So, on August 3, the Earth's satellite will be next to Neptune, on August 7 — with the Pleiades and Uranus, on August 9 — with Mars, and on August 16 — with Venus.
Full moon and new moon in August: dates and exact time
Full moon and new moon are among the most anticipated astronomical events of any month. Astronomers are waiting for them for the opportunity to study the Moon and the objects closest to it, and astrologers consider the most important stages of the lunar cycles.
In 2026, the last summer new moon will occur on August 12 at 20:37 Moscow time, and the last full moon will occur on August 28 at 07:19 Moscow time.
On the new moon, the Earth's satellite begins a new cycle, which, according to astrologers, is associated with the renewal of energy and the launch of processes for the coming month. It is believed that during the new moon period it is necessary to formulate goals, make wishes and plan future projects.
On the eve of the school year, this can be used for preparation: together with the children, think over plans for the coming months, review educational materials and determine the necessary purchases. Graduates are advised to plan their exam preparation strategy in advance and select priority educational institutions.
According to astrologers, the full moon is considered one of the most emotionally intense periods of the month, when contradictions can escalate and conflicts of interest arise.
Astrologers claim that on the days of the full moon, energy is at its peak, which is why decisions can be more impulsive and not always objective. In this regard, they recommend not planning important things for this period, including major purchases, making deals and signing documents.
Total solar and partial lunar eclipses in August
Two eclipses are expected in August — a total solar eclipse and a partial lunar eclipse. The time period between them is traditionally called the eclipse corridor.
A total solar eclipse is considered when the Moon completely covers the Sun's disk. In 2026, this phenomenon is expected on August 12. Its maximum phase will be clearly visible in Greenland, Iceland, Portugal and Spain. Residents of other European countries will be able to observe the partial phase of the eclipse.
In Russia, only residents of the Taimyr Peninsula will be able to observe the full phase of the eclipse. According to preliminary calculations, the maximum will be at about 20:45 Moscow time. In the Murmansk and Arkhangelsk regions, the Moon will cover about 80% of the sun's disk, which will also allow you to enjoy an incredible celestial show. But in Moscow, visibility will be only 8%.
A partial lunar eclipse will take place in the early morning of August 28 — its peak will be at 07:12 Moscow time. At the same time, the eclipse will be quite deep — depending on the place of observation, the level of coverage of the Moon by the earth's shadow will be up to 96%.
The maximum phases of the eclipse will be visible in North and South America and at moonset in Africa, Europe and the Middle East. In Russia, this astronomical event will not be observed: by the time the maximum phase arrives, the Earth's satellite will have already disappeared over the horizon. The initial penumbral phases can be "caught" in the westernmost European part of the country, but the conditions for observation will remain unfavorable.
The peak of the Perseid meteor shower is on August 12-13
On the night of August 12-13, residents of Russia will be able to observe the peak of the Perseid meteor shower. The conditions for observations this year are close to optimal. The moon will not interfere, and the radiant of the stream will be located between the constellations Cassiopeia and Perseus. After midnight, if the weather is clear, you can see up to 100 meteors per hour.
The progenitor of the Perseids is comet Swift–Tuttle, which partially evaporates upon approaching the Sun and leaves behind a plume of dust and gases. When the Earth passes through this stream, comet particles enter the atmosphere and burn up, forming bright flashes.
The big parade of planets in August and where to watch it
One of the most notable astronomical events of August 2026 will be the big parade of planets, which will take place on August 12. On this day, the six planets of the Solar System — Jupiter, Mercury, Mars, Uranus, Saturn and Neptune — will appear in the same sector of the sky, creating an alignment effect.
The best time to observe the phenomenon is in the wee hours before sunrise. In the Northern Hemisphere, you should look from the eastern horizon towards the southwest. Under favorable conditions, it will be possible to distinguish Mars, Saturn and Mercury with the naked eye, as well as try to see Jupiter, which will be low above the horizon. Binoculars or a telescope will be needed to observe Uranus and Neptune.
At the same time, astronomers note that the concept of a "parade of planets" does not mean that the celestial bodies will line up in a perfectly even line. The planets will be in different parts of their orbits, and the visual effect of their convergence is due to the fact that they move approximately in the same plane around the Sun.
Before dawn on August 12, Saturn and Neptune will be the first to appear above the horizon, followed by Uranus and Mars. Mercury and Jupiter will become visible later in the morning. The planets will not be located next to each other, but will form an extended arc from the eastern part of the sky to the southwest.
Mars and Saturn will be the most accessible for observation — they can be found without special equipment. Mercury will require a more careful search due to its proximity to the horizon and the brightness of the dawn sky. Jupiter, despite its brightness, will be more difficult to observe due to its low position above the horizon. Uranus and Neptune will be available mainly to owners of optical devices.
Experts advise against evaluating an event based on the principle of "see all six planets or nothing." Even observing two or three celestial bodies without equipment will be the result of good conditions. For a better view, it is recommended to choose places with an open eastern horizon away from the glare of the city, buildings and trees.
Favorable and unfavorable days in August 2026
In August 2026, astrologers identify a number of favorable and unfavorable days for various spheres of life. So, the beginning of the month, as well as August 15, 22 and 24, are considered a good time to launch new projects, change jobs and conduct creative presentations. At the same time, August 3, 15 and 24 are called the most energetically strong.
The periods from August 2 to August 7, as well as August 25, 27, 28, and 30, are suitable for planning and completing less complex tasks. At the same time, from August 1 to August 8 and from August 24 to August 31 are favorable for communication and meetings with friends. August 19th and 23rd are considered unfavorable for making deals and making important decisions.
From the point of view of health and self-care, the periods 1-4, 5-8 and 24-31 August are suitable for cleansing the body and dieting. For anti-aging cosmetic procedures, August 11, 12 and 27-29 are recommended. The most successful days for haircuts are considered to be 1, 6, 7, 9, 15, 22, 24, 27-29 and on August 31. At the same time, surgical interventions are not recommended during the period from August 1 to August 8 and from August 24 to August 30.
Optimal timing has also been determined for gardeners and gardeners. It is better to plan the planting of herbs, including parsley, dill and basil, as well as Peking and Chinese cabbage and peas for the periods from 1 to 7 and from 25 to 31 August. For root crops such as turnips, daikon and winter radish, the period from August 11 to August 21 is considered the most suitable time.
Watering and fertilizing plants are most effective on August 15-17 and 29-31, and pest and disease control is recommended on August 12-14 and 22-25. It is better to perform weeding and loosening of the soil on August 1-5 and 17-18. During the days of the full moon and new moon, experts do not recommend carrying out any work in the garden, including planting ornamental trees and shrubs.
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