Solar eclipse
Global window15:34-19:58 UTC
Maximum 17:46 UTC
Sky bulletin / Aug 12-13, 2026
One shadow. One dark-sky night.
Track the August 12 total solar eclipse, then stay out for the Perseids under a nearly moonless sky.
Perseids
Core peak02:00-04:00 UTC · Aug 13
New Moon · ZHR 100 reference
Until the global eclipse begins
00days
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Local eclipse planner
What happens where you are?
Select a city. Every time below is local to that city on August 12, 2026.
Selected local schedule
Reykjavik, Iceland
Local city time · Aug 12, 2026 · GMT (UTC+0)Begins16:47
Totality / max17:48-17:49
Ends18:47
1m 01s totality · Late-afternoon totality; check cloud and your western view.
Place
Visibility
Begins
Totality / max
Ends
Field note
Path of totality
The shadow crosses the North Atlantic.
Totality runs through northern Russia, Greenland, Iceland, Spain, and a tiny corner of Portugal. Much of Europe, northwestern Africa, Canada, and the northern U.S. sees a partial eclipse.
Open high-resolution source
The double-header
From daylight shadow to meteor watch.
These are separate observing sessions. Use the break to move away from lights, eat, rest, and let your eyes adapt before the meteor peak.
Global partial eclipse begins
The Moon first touches the Sun somewhere on Earth.
Maximum eclipse
The centerline reaches its deepest totality.
Start the meteor watch
At mid-northern latitudes, Perseus climbs to a useful altitude.
IMO core maximum
Excellent moonlight conditions; actual rates depend on sky darkness and radiant height.
Non-negotiable
Solar viewing safety, in five checks.
Regular sunglasses are not eclipse glasses. Cameras, binoculars, and telescopes need a proper solar filter over the front aperture.
Camera field notes
Start here, then bracket.
These are starting points, not guarantees. Focus manually, shoot RAW when possible, and practice before first contact.
Partial phases
ISO 100 · f/8 · 1/500s
Solar filter ON the front of the lens. Use a tripod and 2-second timer.
Totality / corona
ISO 200 · f/5.6 · 1/1000-1s
Filter OFF only during confirmed totality. Bracket widely; totality is brief.
Perseid meteors
ISO 3200 · f/1.8 · 10-15s
Manual focus at infinity, interval timer, long sequence. Point 30-60° away from the radiant.
Dark-sky protocol
For meteors, darkness beats magnification.
- 01
Choose a broad view with the fewest artificial lights, ideally Bortle 4 or darker.
- 02
Arrive 30 minutes early. Keep phones dim and red if possible.
- 03
Lie back and scan a wide area. Do not stare directly at Perseus.
- 04
Bring layers, water, insect protection, and a reclining chair or mat.
A certified Starlight destination south of Teruel. Confirm nighttime access and road conditions before moving after the eclipse.
Katahdin Woods and Waters is an International Dark Sky Sanctuary. It is remote; confirm access, permits, and travel time.
Reykjavik is excellent for totality, but IMO notes that Perseids are not properly viewed north of about 60°N. Plan the two events as separate trips.
Fast answers
Before you head out.
01Can I see the eclipse from China?+
No. The August 12, 2026 solar eclipse is not visible from China. Watch an official live stream, then observe the Perseids after midnight if your sky is clear.
02Can I use sunglasses or stacked filters?+
No. Use a compliant solar viewer or an indirect projection method. Regular sunglasses, exposed film, CDs, and stacked filters are unsafe.
03How many Perseids will I see?+
ZHR 100 is a standardized reference under ideal conditions with the radiant overhead. Real observed rates are usually lower and depend heavily on clouds, light pollution, and radiant altitude.
04Where should I look for the Perseids?+
Look broadly 30-60 degrees away from the Perseus radiant, preferably high in the darkest part of your sky. Meteors there leave longer trails.
Sources & accuracy
Built from primary observing guidance.
City times are from NASA and are local. Meteor timing is from the IMO 2026 calendar. Re-check local weather, terrain, sunset, and official updates before travel.