A partial lunar eclipse is visible across the U.S. this month, while a total solar eclipse occurs in Europe. Venus dominates after sunset, reaching 50% illumination. Most planetary activity is after midnight, as Saturn and Neptune rise in Pisces. The predawn hours reveal a fine conjunction between Jupiter and Mercury. And Mars crosses into Gemini,Continue reading "August 2026: What’s in the sky this month? Solar and lunar eclipses, plus the Perseid meteors"

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Although the early evening sky boasts only one naked-eye planet, quality more than makes up for the lack of quantity. Venus attains a splendid peak when it reaches greatest elongation Aug. 15. It then lies 46° east of the Sun and stands 30° high in the west an hour after sundown. The planet shines brilliantlyContinue reading "August 2026: What’s in the Southern Hemisphere sky this month?"

The post August 2026: What’s in the Southern Hemisphere sky this month? appeared first on Astronomy Magazine.