Saudi Arabia is expecting some exciting celestial events this month. With clear skies in desert areas, minimal light pollution, and an increasing interest in astronomy, stargazing in Saudi Arabia is becoming a very popular activity throughout the year.
August 2026 is expected to be a busy month for celestial phenomena, according to the Jeddah Astronomy Society. The major events this month internationally are a total solar eclipse, the annual Perseid meteor shower, and a deep partial lunar eclipse.
The total solar eclipse is expected on Wednesday, 12 August and will be visible across areas of Russia, Greenland, Iceland and Spain. Residents in Saudi Arabia will not be able to witness it but will be able to catch a similar one on Monday, 2 August 2027. The 2027 eclipse might last over six minutes in a few places.
The main highlight for stargazers in Saudi Arabia in August this year is the Perseid meteor showers. Forecasted to peak on 12 August to Thursday, 13 August under moonless conditions, observers may be able to spot up to 100 meteors every hour if they are in dark areas.
The deep partial lunar eclipse will take place on Thursday, 27 August to Friday, 28 August. Approximately, 93 per cent of the moon’s diameter is estimated to enter the Earth’s shadow. The initial phases of the eclipse will be visible from western parts of the country.
Stargazing enthusiasts can also catch appearances by the planets Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars, as well as the seasonal changes from summer to winter constellations.
The popularity of stargazing in Saudi Arabia has grown precisely because of the Kingdom’s diverse landscapes. Dark locations in desert regions that are far away from city lights are ideal for stargazing. Exceptionally dry air and minimal cloud cover also create ideal conditions for clear skies.
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