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If you are an astronomy enthusiast, mark August 12, 2026, on your calendar, a date that will stand out due to the coincidence of several astronomical phenomena.
On that day, there will be an alignment of six planets, a total solar eclipse, the New Moon, and the spectacular Perseid meteor shower.
Here we tell you everything about these astronomical phenomena, when they will occur, and if you will be able to see them from Mexico.
Alineación de 6 planetas: ¿cuándo y cómo verla?
One of the phenomena that can be observed around August 12 will be an alignment of six planets: Jupiter, Mercury, Mars, Uranus, Saturn, and Neptune.
The planets will appear in the sky before dawn. According to Star Walk, the best time to try to observe them from Mexico will be between 5:35 a.m. and 5:53 a.m.
However, not all of them will be visible in the same way. While Mars and Saturn will be easy to observe in the firmament, Mercury and Jupiter will be closer to the horizon. On the other hand, to observe Uranus and Neptune, it will be necessary to use binoculars and a telescope, respectively.
Although August 12 will be one of the standout dates to observe this alignment, the phenomenon can also be seen around August 11 and 13.
Eclipse solar del 12 de agosto de 2026: ¿será visible en México?
According to NASA, there will be a total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, which can be observed in Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, the Atlantic Ocean, Spain, and a small corner of Portugal.
In other regions, such as parts of the northern United States, Canada, Europe, and northwestern Africa, the eclipse will be observable as a partial eclipse.
Unfortunately, the eclipse will not be visible from Mexico. However, NASA will broadcast the phenomenon live through its official platforms. Coverage will begin on August 12 at 11:15 a.m. Mexico Central Time.
Luna Nueva de agosto 2026: ¿cuándo ocurrirá?
The New Moon of August will also occur on August 12, marking the beginning of a new lunar cycle.
During this phase, the Moon is approximately between the Earth and the Sun, so the illuminated face is oriented toward the Sun and the face looking toward the Earth remains virtually dark.
In Mexico City, the New Moon will occur around 11:36 a.m. on August 12.
Perseidas 2026: ¿cuándo será la mejor noche para verlas?
The Perseid meteor shower will be active throughout August and will have its peak during the night of August 12 to 13. This phenomenon occurs when the Earth passes through the debris left by comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle along its orbit.
The coincidence with the New Moon will favor the observation of the Perseids, as there will be little moonlight to interfere with the meteors.
According to information from NASA, although you can start observing the Perseids at 10 p.m., the best time is during the hours before dawn. Additionally, to observe them, it is recommended to go to places far from city lights.
The Perseids are visible mainly from the Northern Hemisphere, so they can also be observed from Mexico.
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