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Solar eclipse, Perseid meteor shower, planet parade: What NYC will see Wednesday
ABC7 New York • • science
Key Points:
- On Wednesday, three major celestial events occurred along the Eastern Seaboard: a total solar eclipse visible in parts of the world, a massive Perseid meteor shower, and a rare gathering of six planets in the morning sky.
- The partial solar eclipse was visible over New York City with about 9% of the sun blocked, while millions in Spain witnessed their first total solar eclipse in over a century, with totality lasting up to 2.5 minutes near Iceland.
- The Perseid meteor shower, known for its reliability, peaked in the early hours of August 13, with optimal viewing conditions away from city lights and during the new moon phase.
- Early risers had the chance to see six planets—Mercury, Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, and two others—in close proximity in the predawn sky, visible without telescopes under dark skies.
- Experts emphasize the unique and awe-inspiring nature of these astronomical events, encouraging safe viewing practices for the solar eclipse and seeking dark locations for meteor shower observation.
