For those in the northern hemisphere, a solar eclipse is happening on the same day as the peak of the best summer meteor shower. We can look forward to a celestial double whammy and you don't need any special kit to enjoy it. On August 12/13, the moon will pass directly in front of the sun, giving us a view of a spectacular solar eclipse across North America, the UK and Ireland, and continental Europe. Then, as the sun sets and night falls, the earth will pass through debris left behind by a comet, producing one of the best meteor showers of the year. For stargazers, this is a date worth planning ahead for — and hopefully one to remember. The partial solar eclipse will be visible in parts of the U.S. on Wednesday, August 12, touching parts of Alaska, the northern contiguous U.S., and New England across roughly 26 states. The general window is from approximately 11:34 a.m. to 3:57 p.m. EDT, with peak coverage around 1:45 p.m. EDT. Alaska begins earlier in the morning. Because the sun remains nearly fully exposed, you must use certified solar eclipse glasses at all times to look at it safely.
