Two eclipses and meteor showers – NASA offers simple guide to shooting August’s massive schedule of must-not-miss astrophotography events

NASA has provided a straightforward guide to help photographers capture the significant astrophotography events that will occur in August. Four major celestial spectacles are taking place during the month: a solar eclipse on August 12, the Perseid meteor shower on August 12-13, Venus shining brightly after sunset on August 14-16, and a lunar eclipse on August 27-28.

To make the most of these events, it's essential to follow safety precautions and some helpful tips. For the solar eclipse on August 12, use certified eclipse glasses or a solar viewer to safely view the event, as regular sunglasses and binoculars are not sufficient. In-depth guides are available for those looking to photograph the 2026 solar eclipse.

During the Perseid meteor shower between August 12-13, look towards the northeast after the sky becomes fully dark to spot streaks of light originating from the constellation Perseus. Staying out late, finding a dark open area, and allowing your eyes to adjust for about 30 minutes will provide the best viewing experience. Venus will be visible shortly after sunset between August 14-16, appearing as the brightest object in the western sky, outshining every other star.

A telescope can show Venus close to half-lit, resembling a tiny lunar phase. Lastly, on the night of August 27, the Full Moon will pass through Earth's shadow, creating a partial lunar eclipse visible from various regions around the world. While it's safe to watch with the naked eye, binoculars or a small telescope can offer a closer look at Earth's curved shadow moving across the Moon.

For those serious about astrophotography, Jamie Carter's detailed guide on photographing August's stellar events is recommended. Additionally, checking out guides on the best cameras for astrophotography and the best astrophotography filters will help photographers choose the right equipment for their shoot.