Partial Solar Eclipse on August 12, Perseids, and Lunar Eclipse: Highlights in the Summer Sky over Austria

In Vienna, the eclipse begins at 7:22 p.m. according to the WAA, reaching its maximum at exactly 8:13 p.m. as the sun sets. Because the maximum coincides with sunset, typical accompanying phenomena will be less noticeable, according to Pikhard: "Das bedeutet, dass typische Erscheinungen eines solchen Ereignisses, wie das fahle Finsternislicht und die spürbare Abkühlung, nicht so markant wahrgenommen werden können."

Those who want to experience the total phase must travel west: A total solar eclipse on August 12 is visible, according to the WAA, "beginnend an der Nordküste Sibiriens über den Arktischen Ozean bis nach Ostgrönland und die westlichsten Teile Islands bis nach Spanien zu sehen. Sie endet bei den Balearen, wo auf Mallorca die Totalität knapp vor Sonnenuntergang eintritt".

Totality Zone: From Siberia to Mallorca

Astronomically, the phenomenon is explained by the relative positions of the Earth, Moon, and Sun. Solar eclipses occur when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, casting its shadow on Earth's surface. This can happen during the new moon phase. Because the Moon's orbit around the Earth is tilted slightly (five degrees) relative to the ecliptic plane, Earth's satellite only partially covers the Sun's disk on average twice a year.

Outlook: Three Eclipses by 2028

Spain will experience an entire series in the coming year: "Es ist die erste von drei Sonnenfinsternissen, die bis 2028 von Spanien aus zu beobachten sein werden", Pikhard noted. On August 2, 2027, there will be a partial solar eclipse visible from Europe with a maximum obscuration of 56 percent. On August 2, 2027, another total solar eclipse will follow over Spain, and on January 26, 2028, an annular solar eclipse will be visible.

Just a few hours after the solar eclipse, the Perseid meteor shower reaches its peak. Each year in mid-August, Earth crosses the dust trail left by Comet Swift-Tuttle along its orbit. The meteor shower's name comes from the fact that the stars appear to fall from the constellation Perseus.

Perseids: Peak on the Night of August 13

The Perseids are also called "Tränen des Laurentius" because their appearance coincides with the feast day of the martyr Laurentius on August 10. On the night of August 13, the Perseid meteor shower reaches its maximum, producing an especially high number of shooting stars in clear skies.

The astronomical month of August concludes with a partial lunar eclipse. "In der Morgendämmerung des 28. August eine partielle Mondfinsternis, die hierzulande teilweise zu sehen ist", according to the WAA. The celestial spectacle begins at 4:34 a.m. as the Moon enters Earth's umbra. The growing coverage can be observed for about an hour before the Moon sets just after 6:00 a.m. — right around the time the Sun rises — shortly before maximum eclipse.

Partial Lunar Eclipse on August 28

Looking ahead to further events, according to the WAA, February 20, 2027 is also worth marking on the calendar: a penumbral lunar eclipse will grace the sky that day. This makes the coming year exceptionally rich from an astronomical standpoint.

For observing the solar eclipse, the WAA expressly recommends using certified protective glasses or indirect observation methods such as projection, since looking directly at the sun without an appropriate filter can cause permanent eye damage. Those following the event on the evening of August 12 in Vienna should also have an unobstructed view of the western horizon in order to see the eclipsed sunset in its entirety.