Published : 29 Jul 2026, 05:41 AM
Updated : 08 Sep 2026, 09:28 AM
A rare "eclipse season" is set to begin next month as the Sun, Earth and Moon fall into alignment to produce two major celestial events within a fortnight.
On Aug 12, a total solar eclipse will darken skies as the Moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun, with totality visible along a path stretching from Greenland to Spain, reports The Independent.
Weeks later, on the night of Aug 27-28, the Earth will move between the Sun and Moon, triggering a partial lunar eclipse visible across Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
More than 96 percent of the Moon will pass into Earth's shadow during the event, turning its surface a deep red in what is commonly known as a "blood moon”.
Astronomers say it will be the most striking lunar eclipse visible from Earth until December 2028.
Skywatchers in the UK will be able to catch the lunar eclipse low in the western sky just before dawn on Aug 28.
Eclipse seasons occur roughly every six months due to the natural tilt and orbit of the Moon, though total solar eclipses remain rare, with only one more expected over Europe in the next decade.
Adding to August's celestial lineup, the Perseid meteor shower will peak on Aug 12, the same day as the solar eclipse, potentially producing up to 100 meteors an hour.
The next eclipse season is expected in early 2027, bringing an annular "ring of fire" solar eclipse over South America and Africa on Feb 6, followed by a penumbral lunar eclipse over Europe, Africa and Asia on Feb 20-21.
A total solar eclipse crossing Spain and North Africa on Aug 2, 2027 will mark the longest such event visible from land until 2114.
