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The August sky turns into a celestial stage: several rare natural spectacles are approaching — including a partial lunar eclipse, a partial solar eclipse, and the peak of the Perseid meteor shower.
The most impressive moment will come on 12 August, when the sun will set over Austria almost 90 percent eclipsed.
A Total Solar Eclipse Sweeps Across the North — Austria Sees a Deep Partial Eclipse
On Wednesday, 12 August, a total solar eclipse will trace a dramatic path from the north coast of Siberia across the Arctic Ocean, through East Greenland and the western tip of Iceland, before reaching Spain. The eclipse ends over the Balearic Islands, where Mallorca will experience totality just moments before sunset.
In Austria, the Moon will cover nearly 90 percent of the Sun during the evening hours. If skies remain clear, the spectacle will be easily visible — though less intense than a midday eclipse.
Alexander Pikhard, head of the Vienna Working Group for Astronomy (WAA), calls it “the strongest eclipse since 11 August 1999, when a total eclipse was visible across much of Austria.” The partial eclipse begins in Vienna at 19:22, reaching its maximum at 20:13, precisely as the Sun sets. Because of the low solar altitude, typical eclipse phenomena — such as eerie dimming or noticeable cooling — will be less pronounced.
Perseids Peak the Following Night
The new‑moon phase surrounding the eclipse also creates ideal conditions for meteor watching. In the night of 13 August, the Perseids — one of the most active and reliable meteor showers — reach their annual maximum.
The Earth passes through the dust trail left by the comet Swift‑Tuttle. As these particles enter the atmosphere at high speed, they burn up and create bright streaks across the sky. The shower appears to radiate from the constellation Perseus, giving it its name.
Partial Lunar Eclipse on 28 August
Just two weeks later, another celestial event awaits early risers. On Friday, 28 August, a partial lunar eclipse will be visible during dawn. The Moon will set while still partially in Earth’s shadow.
The eclipse begins at 04:34, with its maximum occurring shortly after 06:00 — a subtle but beautiful sight for anyone with an unobstructed view toward the western horizon.
A Month for Skywatchers
With a deep solar eclipse, a partial lunar eclipse, and the Perseids at their peak, August offers one of the richest astronomical calendars in years. For observers in Austria, the combination of twilight timing and clear summer nights could make these events especially memorable.
- source: kurier.at/picture: pixabay.com
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