Perseid meteor shower peaks Aug 12 amid solar eclipse activity

Perseid meteor shower peaks Aug 12 amid solar eclipse activity

Astronomy enthusiasts are witnessing a double celestial display on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, as a partial solar eclipse gives way to the peak of the annual Perseid meteor shower.

The solar eclipse, which is the most visible of its kind across the UK and Ireland since 1999, has drawn massive crowds to beauty spots across Wales. Heavy traffic and "hundreds-strong crowds" were reported at Cardiff's Bute Park, Swansea beach, and Rhossili Bay in the Gower. In Wales, the partial eclipse is observable from 6.13 p.m. To 8.06 p.m., with the moon obscuring between 90% and 96% of the sun depending on the location. Cardiff is expected to see approximately 93% coverage at 7.13 p.m.

The phenomenon is not limited to the UK. NASA reports that a total solar eclipse is visible in Russia, Spain, Iceland, Greenland, and a small area of Portugal. A partial eclipse is visible across North America, Africa, Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, Arctic Ocean, and Pacific Ocean. While the path of totality does not reach Florida, NASA provided a livestream of the event beginning at 1:15 p.m. ET.

Safety and Viewing Methods

Experts have issued stern warnings regarding eye safety. The Royal Greenwich Observatory and other experts state that regular sunglasses are insufficient. Only ISO 12312-2 certified solar eclipse glasses should be used. NASA notes that welding helmets are only safe if the lens has a shade rating of 12 or higher, warning that most standard helmets fall below this threshold.

Due to a shortage of certified glasses, some observers have turned to unconventional methods.

"You can project the image of the eclipse using a household item like a colander which has lots of holes in – point the colander towards the Sun with your back facing it, and in the shadow of the colander you’ll be able to see the eclipse in the holes, which is really cool."

Imo Bell, planetarium astronomer at the Royal Observatory, via Press Association

This recommendation has had a tangible effect on retail. John Lewis reports that colander sales have surged nearly 40% compared to last year. Other makeshift viewers include cereal boxes and cardboard boxes.

The Perseid Peak

Following the eclipse, the sky will transition to the peak of the Perseid meteor shower on the night of August 12 and into August 13. The shower occurs as Earth enters a trail of debris from the Swift-Tuttle comet. These meteoroids, often no larger than a grain of sand, strike the atmosphere at speeds of 36 miles per second — or 60 kilometres per second — creating streaks of light.

The American Meteor Society describes the Perseids as the most popular meteor shower because they peak during warm August nights in the northern hemisphere. Rural locations can expect hourly rates of 30-50 shower members at maximum. While the best viewing window is typically between midnight and dawn, specifically between midnight and 5.30 a.m. According to the Royal Astronomical Society, NASA notes they can appear as early as 10 p.m. Local time.

Visibility for this year's peak is expected to be high. On August 12, the moon is in its new moon phase with 0% to 1% illumination, creating a darker sky. The shower will remain active through August 24.

Regional Impacts and Future Events

The celestial events have caused localized disruptions. In Wales, Traffic Wales warned drivers not to look up at the eclipse while driving. In the UK, the National Energy System Operator (Neso) cancelled a precautionary call for additional power generation, stating there is no risk to customer electricity supplies.

Dhara Patel, a space expert at the National Space Centre, suggested that the scale of the event may cause some viewers to feel emotional as they connect with nature.

Looking ahead, the next full moon, the Sturgeon Moon, will peak on Friday, August 28, at 12:18 a.m. ET. For those in Florida, the next total solar eclipse will not occur until 2045. In the UK, the Met Office states the next eclipse of this magnitude will not happen until 2081, and the next total solar eclipse will not be visible until September 23, 2090.