Solar eclipse and Perseids: Where to watch Wednesday's double sky show in Czechia

Czechia will get a double sky show on Wednesday, Aug. 12, when a partial solar eclipse appears shortly before sunset, followed by the annual Perseid meteor shower after dark.

For Prague residents, special eclipse observations are planned at the Štefánik Observatory on Petřín Hill and the Ďáblice Observatory. But because the eclipse will appear low on the northwestern horizon, a location with a clear view is important, and several unusual viewing spots are planned around the country.

Both of Prague’s main observatories will host special programs for the eclipse.

At the Štefánik Observatory on Petřín, visitors will be able to observe the phenomenon with astronomical equipment. The Ďáblice Observatory will also offer eclipse viewing.

The eclipse will occur shortly before sunset, so trees and buildings can obstruct the view. Astronomers recommend finding a location with an unobstructed view toward the northwest.

If you're willing to travel, several locations are offering special viewing events.

In Liberec, iQLANDIA is preparing eclipse activities, with additional viewing planned from the western terrace of the hotel and transmitter on Ještěd.

In Olomouc, the Faculty of Science at Palacký University will offer free admission, with special telescopes available for viewing the Sun.

At Poličná near Valašské Meziříčí, the local observatory is combining the eclipse with Perseid viewing at the airport. The program begins at 6 p.m. and runs until midnight, with talks, telescopes and night-sky observations.

Other viewing locations include the airport in Jindřichův Hradec, the Dobrošov artillery fortress in the Náchod region and observatories in South Moravia, the Vysočina region and Karlovy Vary.

The partial eclipse will be visible in the early evening, but conditions will vary depending on location. In Ostrava, for example, the eclipse will be visible from 7:19 p.m. until sunset at 7:59 p.m.

Because the Sun will be very low on the northwestern horizon, astronomers say the best views will come from elevated locations with a clear horizon.

Never look directly at the Sun without certified solar-viewing glasses or an appropriate solar filter.

Once the Sun sets, attention will turn to the Perseid meteor shower, one of the year's best-known annual meteor displays.

Several observatories are combining eclipse programs with overnight meteor watching. At Poličná airport, organizers recommend bringing a sleeping mat or blanket so visitors can lie down comfortably while watching the night sky. A red-light flashlight can also help without disturbing night vision.

Not every observatory will have a good view of the eclipse. Astronomers at Brno's Kraví hora Observatory, for example, say trees and other obstacles make the site unsuitable and recommend heading to a hill with a clear view toward the horizon instead.

Weather will ultimately determine how much of the show is visible.