On August 12th, a rare parade of 6 planets will be visible before sunrise, El.kz reports.
Observers in different parts of the world will have the opportunity to witness a six-planet alignment, a total solar eclipse, and the peak of the Perseid meteor shower. However, not all of these events will be visible from Kazakhstan.
Six planets to appear in the morning sky
But this doesn’t mean all six will be easy to see with the naked eye. Mars and Saturn will be the easiest targets, Mercury will be low but possible to catch with a clear horizon, Jupiter will sit even lower than Mercury, Uranus will require binoculars, and Neptune will need a telescope.
Total Solar Eclipse Will Not Be Visible from Kazakhstan
Although a total solar eclipse will occur on 12 August, it will not be observable from Kazakhstan.
The path of totality will cross Greenland, Iceland, and Spain. No phase of the eclipse, including the partial phase, will be visible anywhere in Kazakhstan, including Astana, Almaty, or other cities.
Those wishing to observe the eclipse are advised by astronomers to follow live online broadcasts provided by intl scientific organizations.
Perseid Meteor Shower to Be the Night’s Main Attraction
For observers in Kazakhstan, the highlight of the night will be the peak of the Perseid meteor shower.
In 2026, the shower’s maximum activity will coincide with the new moon. The absence of bright moonlight will provide nearly ideal viewing conditions.
Under clear skies and away from urban light pollution, observers may be able to see up to 100–120 meteors per hour without the use of optical equipment.
The most favorable viewing conditions are expected outside major urban areas, where artificial lighting does not interfere with astronomical observations.
