Partial Solar Eclipse and Perseid Meteor Shower — Both in One Evening Over Czechia

A partial solar eclipse will begin over Czechia this evening — according to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ), the phenomenon is set to start at around 7:15 pm. Viewing conditions are expected to be excellent, with clear skies forecast across the entire country.

According to the Czech Astronomical Society, the eclipse will be visible low above the western and northwestern horizon. The maximum phase, when the Sun's disc will be most obscured, will occur at around 8:10 pm. In the eastern part of the country, however, this will coincide with sunset, meaning the final stage of the eclipse won't be visible there.

In Czechia, the Moon will cover between 85 and 88 percent of the Sun's disc. The eclipse can be observed at many of the country's public observatories. A total eclipse, however, will only be visible from Greenland, Iceland and Spain — destinations where astronomy expeditions are already heading to witness the rare spectacle.

Perseids Peak at Night

As darkness falls, meteors from the Perseid shower will begin streaking across the sky, with the peak expected overnight from Wednesday to Thursday, August 12–13. Conditions for spotting shooting stars will also be ideal, as the Moon — having recently passed through its new phase — will barely dim the night sky with its own light.

A Cooling Effect from the Eclipse

A noticeable solar eclipse doesn't just darken the landscape — it also brings a slight drop in air temperature. According to calculations by ČHMÚ's numerical modelling department, the station in Tušimice, for example, can expect cooling of roughly 0.2 degrees Celsius.

In Western Europe, the temperature drop will be more pronounced — in the UK, it could reach a full degree. Residents in the zone of total eclipse, particularly in Spain, will notice the cooling even more.

Source: novinky.cz