{
  "id": 209708,
  "title": "How to plan photographing August 12's solar eclipse and Perseids meteor shower peak",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/06/how-to-plan-photographing-august-12s-solar-eclipse-and-perseids",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-06T07:05:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Digital Camera World",
    "slug": "digital-camera-world",
    "url": "https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/photography/astrophotography/how-to-plan-photographing-august-12s-solar-eclipse-and-perseids-meteor-shower-peak"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Astrophotographers have a special opportunity on August 12, 2026, as the day offers two celestial events worth capturing: the solar eclipse and the Perseids meteor shower. Depending on the location, the eclipse will range from minor to a landmark event, while the Perseids will peak under moonless skies in the Northern Hemisphere. The challenge for photographers is deciding whether to chase the eclipse or head to dark skies for the meteor shower. However, both events reward the same approach to planning.\n\nFor those interested in the total solar eclipse, locations such as eastern Greenland, western Iceland, and northern Spain will witness this phenomenon. In total, the moon will cover the sun, turning day into night for a brief moment, lasting up to 2 minutes and 18 seconds in some places. Along the path of totality, the eclipse will vary in duration, with Mallorca, Spain experiencing it just before sunset. Photographers should ensure a clear horizon to capture the event, as it will be quite low in the sky.\n\nPartial solar eclipses will also be visible across the UK, western and central Europe, and northwest Africa. In the UK, observers can expect around 90 minutes of partial coverage before sunset, with over 95% of the sun obscured in some areas. In western and central Europe and northwest Africa, the eclipse will occur closer to sunset, creating dramatic photography opportunities. In North America, the partial eclipse will be smaller, with partial phases occurring during the afternoon in parts of eastern Canada and the northeastern U.S.\n\nThe Perseids meteor shower will peak on the same night, providing an excellent opportunity for astrophotographers to capture the annual display of meteors. To maximize success, photographers should head to dark skies and take advantage of the moonless conditions. The Perseids will be in peak Milky Way season, providing stunning backdrops for the meteor showers. By combining both events in one day and night, astrophotographers can create a unique and memorable photography experience.",
  "summary": "With a solar eclipse in Europe and North America followed by the peak of the annual Perseid meteor shower, August 12 will bring plenty of photographic opportunities. Here’s how to plan a shoot for both",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}