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NASA Prepares for Europe's First Total Solar Eclipse in 27 Years

NASA Prepares for Europe's First Total Solar Eclipse in 27 Years

On August 12, Europe will experience its first total solar eclipse in 27 years, with NASA deploying a WB-57 research jet to capture high-resolution images of the solar corona. The eclipse will pass over Greenland, Iceland, and Spain, providing a rare opportunity for scientists to study the Sun's outer atmosphere. NASA's mission aims to address previous imaging challenges by adjusting camera exposure times to better capture the corona's features. The event coincides with the Perseid meteor shower, offering a unique astronomical experience.

August’s total solar eclipse will sweep over Spain, Iceland and Greenland

August’s total solar eclipse will sweep over Spain, Iceland and Greenland

For the first time in more than a century, a total solar eclipse is coming to mainland Spain with an even longer encore next summer

Total Solar Eclipse to Grace Skies Over Spain and Northern U.S. with Safety Precautions Advised

Total Solar Eclipse to Grace Skies Over Spain and Northern U.S. with Safety Precautions Advised

A total solar eclipse is set to occur on August 12, 2026, visible across parts of Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, Spain, and Portugal. This celestial event will also be partially visible in the northern United States, Canada, much of Europe, and northwestern Africa. During a total solar eclipse, the moon completely covers the sun, offering a rare opportunity for sky-gazers to witness a sunset eclipse in Spain. However, safety precautions are crucial, as viewing the eclipse without proper eye protection can cause permanent eye damage. NASA and other scientific bodies emphasize the use of certified eclipse glasses or solar viewers to safely observe the event.

NASA Highlights August 2026 Skywatching Events Including Solar Eclipse and Meteor Shower

NASA Highlights August 2026 Skywatching Events Including Solar Eclipse and Meteor Shower

NASA has outlined several significant skywatching events for August 2026, including a total solar eclipse, the Perseid meteor shower, and a partial lunar eclipse. On August 12, a total solar eclipse will be visible across northern Russia, Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain, with a partial eclipse observable in parts of the United States from Alaska to North Carolina. The Perseid meteor shower will peak on the night of August 12 into the early morning of August 13, offering a spectacular view under dark skies due to the New Moon. Additionally, Venus will reach its greatest eastern elongation from August 14-16, appearing bright in the western sky after sunset. The month will conclude with a partial lunar eclipse on August 27-28, visible from much of North and South America and parts of Europe and Africa.

NASA Highlights August 2026 Skywatching Events Including Solar and Lunar Eclipses

NASA Highlights August 2026 Skywatching Events Including Solar and Lunar Eclipses

NASA has outlined a series of astronomical events for August 2026, offering skywatchers in the United States and around the world a chance to witness several celestial phenomena. On August 12, a total solar eclipse will be visible across northern Russia, Greenland, Iceland, and parts of Europe, while a partial eclipse will be observable in parts of the United States from Alaska to North Carolina. The same night, the Perseid meteor shower will peak, providing a spectacular display under dark skies due to the New Moon. From August 14 to 16, Venus will reach its greatest eastern elongation, appearing bright in the western sky after sunset. The month will conclude with a partial lunar eclipse on the night of August 27, visible from much of North and South America, Europe, and Africa. During this event, about 93% of the Moon's diameter will be covered by Earth's shadow, giving it a coppery tint.

Asteroid Apophis to Pass Closer to Earth Than Weather Satellites in 2029

Asteroid Apophis to Pass Closer to Earth Than Weather Satellites in 2029

Asteroid 99942 Apophis, named after the Egyptian god of chaos, is set to pass closer to Earth on April 13, 2029, than many weather satellites, at a distance of approximately 32,000 kilometers. This event will be visible to up to 90% of the world's population. NASA has confirmed that there is no risk of impact for at least the next century, making this a unique opportunity for scientific observation. The asteroid's close approach will allow scientists to study its response to Earth's gravitational forces, providing valuable data on asteroid composition and behavior.

NASA Highlights Perseid Meteor Shower Peak with Ideal Viewing Conditions

NASA Highlights Perseid Meteor Shower Peak with Ideal Viewing Conditions

The Perseid meteor shower is set to peak on the night of August 12 into the early morning of August 13, 2026. This annual event occurs as Earth passes through debris left by Comet Swift-Tuttle, resulting in bright streaks of light as comet dust enters the atmosphere. This year, the viewing conditions are expected to be optimal due to a New Moon on August 12, which will provide dark skies ideal for meteor observation. The Perseids are active from July 17 to August 24, with the peak offering the best chance to see around 80 meteors per hour. Observers in the Northern Hemisphere are encouraged to look towards the northeast after dark, allowing their eyes 30 minutes to adjust to the darkness for the best viewing experience.

NASA Plans Extensive Coverage for August Total Solar Eclipse Impacting Northern Hemisphere

NASA Plans Extensive Coverage for August Total Solar Eclipse Impacting Northern Hemisphere

NASA has announced its plans to provide comprehensive coverage of the total solar eclipse occurring on August 12, 2026. The eclipse will be visible in parts of Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, the Atlantic Ocean, Spain, and a small corner of Portugal. NASA will stream the event live, featuring views from across the eclipse path and interviews with experts. In addition to the live stream, NASA will conduct scientific experiments during the eclipse. A NASA-funded team will use a WB-57 high-altitude research aircraft to study the Sun's corona by following the Moon's shadow. The Nationwide Eclipse Ballooning Project, supported by NASA, will involve students from U.S. universities launching scientific balloons in Iceland and Spain to study atmospheric changes during the eclipse.

Europe Prepares for Solar Eclipse with Expanded Battery Storage Capacity

Europe Prepares for Solar Eclipse with Expanded Battery Storage Capacity

Europe is set to experience a solar eclipse on August 12, which will test the continent's expanded battery storage capacity. Over the past year, Europe's battery fleet has doubled to 29 gigawatts, a significant increase aimed at supporting the grid during periods of reduced solar generation. The eclipse will cross Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain, with a partial eclipse affecting most of Europe. This event follows a similar test in Texas in 2024, where natural gas plants compensated for the loss of solar power. Europe's approach relies on renewable energy and battery storage, marking a shift from traditional fossil fuel-based solutions.

Your next chance to see a full moon in August comes with a bonus

Your next chance to see a full moon in August comes with a bonus

Mark your calendar now. August's full moon has an extra surprise in store.

NASA's Roman Space Telescope Set for Early Launch in August

NASA's Roman Space Telescope Set for Early Launch in August

NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is scheduled for launch on August 30, nine months ahead of its original schedule. The telescope will be launched aboard a Falcon Heavy rocket from the Kennedy Space Center. This advancement is attributed to careful planning and adherence to a cost cap, allowing the mission to progress ahead of schedule. The spacecraft has been loaded with propellant for its journey to the Earth-Sun L-2 Lagrange point, where it will conduct its operations. The mission aims to carry out broad surveys, focusing on cosmology and exoplanet studies, complementing the Vera C. Rubin Observatory's visible wavelength observations with its infrared capabilities.