On the morning of August 12, 2026, Funchal will have the opportunity to observe a rare alignment of six planets: Jupiter, Mercury, Mars, Uranus, Saturn, and Neptune. The best viewing window will be between 05:30 and 06:45, before sunrise, with the planets visible to the naked eye or with binoculars and telescopes.
During the afternoon of the same day, a partial solar eclipse will occur, with its peak expected between 19:05–19:20. Although not total in Funchal, significant solar coverage is anticipated, creating a thin crescent shape. The use of certified eclipse glasses is crucial for safe viewing.
The night of August 12-13 will be marked by the peak of the Perseid meteor shower, with ideal conditions due to the new moon. In dark skies, 50 to 100 meteors per hour may be observed, with locations like Eira do Serrado and Pico dos Barcelos recommended for viewing.
