NASA Science
NASA Science seeks to discover the secrets of the universe, search for life elsewhere, and protect and improve life on Earth and in space.
Watch the 2026 Perseids Meteor Shower LIVE
Grab a blanket, a snack – maybe some caffeine – and stay up late with us as we watch the 2026 Perseids meteor shower! The Perseids is one of the best annual meteor showers – known for its bright fireballs. The shower peaks on the morning of Aug. 13, when viewers could see up to 50 meteors an hour if viewing conditions are favorable.
Marshall Space Flight Center is hosting this watch party live on YouTube at 11 p.m. CT on Aug. 12. Throughout the broadcast, we will show real-time sky imagery from Marshall’s Automated Lunar and Meteor Observatory (ALaMO). Meteoroid experts from Marshall and guest subject matter experts will join the event to discuss the science behind the Perseids and answer YOUR questions in real time.
Set your alarm!
August 12, 2026
Total Solar Eclipse
On Aug. 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse will sweep across Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, the Atlantic Ocean, Spain, and a small corner of Portugal.
Many other places in the Northern Hemisphere will experience a partial solar eclipse that day, including parts of the northern U.S. (from Alaska to North Carolina), most of Canada, much of Europe, and northwestern Africa.
What’s Up: August 2026 Skywatching Tips from NASA
A solar eclipse, one of the year’s best meteor showers, Venus at its brightest in the evening sky, and a partial lunar eclipse to close out the month.
On August 12, a total solar eclipse crosses northern Russia, Greenland, Iceland, northern Spain, and a small corner of Portugal. In parts of the United States, from Alaska to North Carolina, the eclipse will be partial. Use certified eclipse glasses or a safe solar viewer whenever any part of the Sun is visible.
Later that night, the Perseid meteor shower peaks under the dark skies of the New Moon.
2026 NASA Science Calendar
Download the Cover
Learn about those of the NASA corps who make “space sailing” their career profession.
A Legacy of Discovery, Built for the Future
Some discoveries answer questions. The best ones inspire new ones.
For generations, NASA missions have done both, turning questions into knowledge and knowledge into new possibilities.
Every image from another world, every distant galaxy brought into focus, and every new understanding of our universe has opened doors we didn’t even know existed, inspiring us all to keep pushing beyond the known. Because after all, there is still so much left to discover.
A Spaceship Called Earth
With NASA’s “Your Name in Landsat” online interactive, users can type in their name, then view and export the graphic of that name spelled out in Earth features found in Landsat images.
See Your Name in Landsat
Roman Launch Countdown
Roman is set to launch August 30, 2026 at 07:26 am EDT on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. NASA’s…
Learn More About the Roman Launch
Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope Mission Preview News Conference
Tune in as we preview the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope mission scheduled to launch on Aug. 30! Named after NASA’s first chief astronomer, the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope will have a deep, panoramic view of the cosmos, generating never-before-seen pictures that will revolutionize our understanding of the universe.
Learn More About RomanMost Notable 2026 Astronomical Events
This year will be busy for avid skywatchers, with some incredible opportunities to view meteor showers, planets, and the Moon in the night sky.
See the Top Sky Watching Events
Featured Missions
Our mission milestones showcase the breadth and depth of NASA science.
IMAP
Launched September 24, 2025, IMAP will help researchers better understand the boundary of the heliosphere, a huge bubble created by the Sun surrounding and protecting our solar system.
Pandora
Pandora is a small satellite designed to characterize exoplanet atmospheres and their host stars. It is slated to observe at least 20 different planets during its one year of science operations.
Dragonfly
Dragonfly, the first-of-its-kind rotorcraft to explore another world, will fly to various locations on Saturn’s moon Titan and investigate the moon’s habitability.
Dive Deeper
NASA Science Strategy
Our science strategy articulates a forward-thinking vision and presents a comprehensive, cohesive and long-term roadmap for all NASA activities.
People of NASA Science
Meet the individuals who are instrumental in enabling the realization of NASA Science’s extraordinary mission.
NASA Science Careers
Discover career opportunities at NASA Science, where innovation, growth and collaboration shape the future of scientific exploration.
