A solar eclipse and the Perseid meteor shower arrive on the same day

August Skywatching Highlights Aug. 5: Last Quarter Moon Aug. 12: A total solar eclipse crosses northern Russia, Greenland, Iceland, northern Spain, and part of Portugal.

A partial eclipse will be visible from parts of the United States. The New Moon . August brings four major celestial events, including a solar eclipse and the peak of the Perseid meteor shower.

Dark New Moon skies could make the Perseids especially impressive, while Venus will blaze in the west after sunset. A deep partial lunar eclipse closes the month, darkening most of the Moon.