Deep-Sky Highlights
The New Moon creates outstanding dark-sky conditions throughout the week, weather permitting.
Northern Hemisphere observers can look for:
- The Milky Way through Cygnus, Aquila and Sagittarius
- The Summer Triangle
- The Ring Nebula, M57
- The Dumbbell Nebula, M27
- The Lagoon Nebula, M8
- The Trifid Nebula, M20
- The Hercules Globular Cluster, M13
- The Andromeda Galaxy rising later in the night
- The Double Cluster in Perseus
Southern observers can enjoy rich Milky Way star fields, although the Perseid radiant remains much lower from southern latitudes.
Week at a Glance
| Date | Astronomical event |
| August 10–11 | Waning Crescent Moon |
| August 12 | Total Solar Eclipse |
| August 12 | New Moon |
| August 12–13 | Perseid meteor shower peak |
| August 13–16 | Waxing Crescent Moon |
| All week | Excellent dark-sky and Milky Way conditions |
How to Prepare
Buy certified eclipse glasses before the final rush.
Check them for scratches, punctures or damage before use.
Choose several possible viewing locations rather than emotionally marrying one beach.
Verify that your exact location lies inside the path of totality.
Confirm the Sun’s direction and altitude from that location.
Check the weather, cloud cover, road conditions and official access instructions repeatedly.
Arrive hours early.
Bring food, water, warm clothing, waterproof layers and any medication you may need.
Download offline maps.
Expect mobile networks to become overloaded.