The best viewing conditions in a decade for the Perseid meteor shower — under a new moon? And a total solar eclipse at the same time? It’s all happening on August 12. 

This spectacular show is incredibly lucky; whether you’re able to catch just one or both, there’s something incredible waiting in the sky for you. Here’s the breakdown.

What will I see?

The Perseid meteor shower is one of stargazers' most beloved shows of the year, and for a reason.

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They come through quick and bright, and can leave long streaks of color in their wake. They’re also known for their fireballs, an even larger explosion of light and color that can linger in the sky.

These meteors come from leftover particles from comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle, which then collide with our atmosphere and disintegrate, creating this visual light spectacle in the sky.

You can expect to see an average of up to 100 meteors per hour during the Perseids' peak.

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For the solar eclipse, what you see completely depends upon where you fall in the path of it across our globe (the next section has those details).

(MORE: Will you be able to see the solar eclipse? A US viewer's guide)

But if you’re in the right spot and you look up, you should see the moon passing across the sun, taking a crescent-shaped bite out. And if you’re in the perfect spot, the path of totality, you will see the moon completely “eclipse” the sun, covering it with a bright burning ring around it, making the sky completely dark even during the day.

At totality, when this darkness comes through, you could even see some of the Perseids pass by at the same time.

Where will it be visible?

The Perseids can be seen from anywhere in the northern hemisphere. 

You’ll want to find what’s called their radiant — the point in the sky from which they appear to come — which is near the constellation Perseus.

To find it, face toward the northeast and look high in the sky for a bright, distinctive constellation shaped like a giant "W" or "M" (Cassiopeia). Just below that "W" is the constellation Perseus.

Look to the sides of the constellation, not directly at it, since that’s where the best meteors will be on display.

This time, the path of totality for the solar eclipse will sweep across Greenland, Iceland, Spain, northern Russia and a small corner of Portugal. Other places in the Northern Hemisphere will get a partial solar eclipse, including parts of the northern U.S.

Here’s a U.S. viewer’s guide on where you’ll be able to see it. 

When does it happen?

Every year, Earth passes through the debris trail that brings the Perseids to our sky. They officially run from July 17 through Aug. 24, but the peak falls on the night of Aug. 12-13.

They’re most active during the pre-dawn hours, between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. local time, but you may be able to spot them as early as 10 p.m.

Magically, this falls under a new moon this year, making the sky extra dark and perfect for an especially vibrant view.

(MORE: Perseid meteor shower 2026: Perfect new moon to create ideal conditions for peak viewing)

Solar eclipses occur two to five times a year, but total solar eclipses only occur once every year or two. And they only happen on a single day; this year it’s Aug. 12. 

The timing varies greatly by location, with the partial phase lasting two to three hours, while totality only lasts from a few seconds up to several minutes. 

Not in the eclipse path? Watch NASA’s live broadcast of the eclipse starting at 1:15 p.m. EDT on Aug. 12.

How do I watch the show?

We’ve got a pretty all-encompassing guide to watching any meteor shower here — so honestly that’s the best place for an even more detailed look.

But the TLDR is that an open sky, unobstructed by trees or buildings in a rural or non-light-polluted area, is where to start. Check for good weather before you head out. And give your eyes at least 20 minutes of complete darkness to adjust — no phones or flashlights — to see them best.

(MORE: Wishing on a star: the best way to watch a meteor shower)

For the solar eclipse, head outside at the right place and time. Never look at the eclipse directly; use certified eclipse glasses, or you can cause permanent eye damage.

The Perseids will be a bit more accessible to a wider audience, and the total solar eclipse is more reserved for the lucky few in its path. 

Either way, we hope you get to enjoy a skyful of whimsy and magic on August 12.

Content writer Ada Wood enjoys exploring the stories that science and climate teach us about our natural world and how it influences the way we live in it.