Russia will be among the first countries where one of the main astronomical events of 2026 — a total solar eclipse — will begin. But only a few will be able to see it in its entirety: most of Russia will witness only partial phases. However, another impressive phenomenon will be visible almost throughout the country — the peak of the Perseid meteor shower. Read more about the cosmic phenomena that Russians will see in August 2026 in the “Pervy Tekhnichesky” material.
The main astronomical event of August — a total solar eclipse
The main astronomical event of August is the total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026. Its path will begin precisely from Russian territory: the first point where the Moon's shadow will touch the Earth will be the northeastern coast of the Taimyr Peninsula in the Krasnoyarsk Krai, near the Pronchishchev coast.
This will happen around midnight local time on August 13. The uniqueness of the moment is that the eclipse can be observed there against the backdrop of the polar day — the sun does not set below the horizon at this time of year.
Reaching this point is practically possible only by air. But those who manage to see the full phase will witness a rare spectacle: the sky will darken, and the solar corona will become visible around the black disk of the Moon. The full phase will last about one and a half minutes.
However, for most Russians, the partial phase of the eclipse will be accessible. In the Murmansk region and on the Kola Peninsula, the Moon will cover about 80–84% of the solar disk. In the Kaliningrad region, the figure may reach approximately 85% — this is one of the highest results in Russia. In St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region, about 79% coverage is expected.
Residents of Moscow and the central part of Russia will be significantly less fortunate. In the capital, the Moon will cover only about 1–3% of the solar disk, and this will happen at sunset, when the sun will be low above the horizon. Without special equipment, it is almost impossible to notice such a change.
In the Volga region, the Urals, and the south of European Russia, including the Rostov region, Krasnodar Krai, and Crimea, the solar disk will be covered by approximately 20–30%.
When observing a solar eclipse, it is important to remember safety. It is recommended to look at the Sun only through special protective filters. Ordinary sunglasses, film, or smoked glass are not suitable and do not protect vision.
<b>Perseids: the meteor shower will be visible throughout Russia</b>
The peak activity of the Perseid meteor shower will occur on the night of August 12-13 — the same night when the eclipse will pass over the Arctic and Europe. The meteor shower will be visible almost throughout Russia, provided there is a clear sky and minimal urban light pollution.
At the moment of maximum, observers away from city lights will be able to see up to 100–120 meteors per hour.
In 2026, the conditions for observation will be especially favorable: the peak of the Perseids will coincide with the new moon, so the moonlight will not interfere with observations. Experts expect this to be one of the best periods for viewing the meteor shower in recent years.
The activity of the stream will last for about a week before and after the maximum, so the Perseids can be observed almost all of August.
What about the lunar eclipse on August 28
Another astronomical event of the month — the partial lunar eclipse on August 28 — will be almost inaccessible to most Russians.
In Moscow and many cities in the European part of the country, the main phases will occur when the Moon is below the horizon. Only faint penumbral changes will be visible under good conditions and with an open western horizon.
The best opportunities are for residents of the Far East. This refers to Primorye, Kamchatka, Chukotka, and neighboring regions. There, it will be evening during the eclipse, and the Moon will have risen high enough.
The phenomenon itself can look impressive: the Earth's shadow will cover about 93–96% of the lunar disk, and the Moon itself can acquire a dark orange or brick hue.