Astronomy Essentials
Total solar eclipse to dazzle observers on August 12
The Arctic, Greenland, Iceland and Spain will have a total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026. Parts of Europe and North America will see a partial.
Astronomy Essentials
Tonight
Visible planets and night sky guide for August
EarthSky's visible planets and night sky guide. Perseid meteors peak! Total solar eclipse Wednesday! Venus farthest from sunset.
Sun

Sun news: Huge sun blast aimed at Earth

Sun news August 11, 2026: Plasma from the August 8 prominence is heading our way. G1 and even G2 storms are possible tomorrow. Aurora watchers, get ready!
Astronomy Essentials

How to watch a solar eclipse safely: tips here

Here are some great tips to watch a solar eclipse safely in a variety of ways, using filters, pinhole cameras and other viewing methods.
Constellations

Aquila the Eagle soars along the Milky Way

Aquila the Eagle is home to the bright star Altair, which forms one corner in the Summer Triangle. Look for it in the evening sky from July to November.
Earth

Giant trees break a decades-old scientific theory

Giant trees have evolved remarkable adaptations that allow them to reach extreme heights while maintaining efficient water transport.
Sun

Highest-resolution images of the sun’s surface here!

The Inouye Solar Telescope has captured the highest-resolution images of the sun's surface yet. They show instabilities that may help explain the hot surface.
Astronomy Essentials

Venus greatest distance from the sun August 14-15, 2026

In 2026, look for Venus after sunset! It's high in the August evening sky for all to see. It'll be brightest in the evening sky on September 22.
Space

The electromagnetic spectrum: It’s more than visible light

The light our eyes can detect is only a sliver of the light out there. The electromagnetic spectrum describes all the wavelengths of light, seen and unseen.
Astronomy Essentials

The 2nd eclipse season of 2026 is underway

One of the many noticeable cycles in the heavens is an eclipse season. The 2nd eclipse season of 2026 starts with a total solar eclipse on August 12.