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Europe’s 2026 Sky Calendar: Spain’s Total Eclipse, Germany’s Deep Partial, Prime Perseids

Early January brings Jupiter’s opposition on 5 January with the Quadrantids curtailed by a full Moon two days earlier.

Overview

  • On 12 August, totality sweeps Spain while Germany experiences a deep partial eclipse; in Hamburg the event runs 19:14–20:54 with 85% coverage at 20:08, and certified eclipse viewers are required.
  • The Perseids peak the same night under a new Moon, offering ideal conditions with up to roughly 100 meteors per hour in dark skies.
  • Jupiter reaches opposition on 5 January, appearing brighter, closer and observable throughout the night.
  • The Quadrantids meteor shower peaks on 3 January around 21:00, but full Moon glare will limit visibility to the brightest meteors.
  • A partial lunar eclipse follows on 28 August, with maximum around 06:13 local time in Germany before the Moon sets.