Solar eclipse 2026: Will it be visible from India?

A solar eclipse is set to take place on August 12, 2026, with various regions across the globe expected to observe either a partial or a total event. This celestial phenomenon occurs when the Sun, Moon, and Earth align, with the Moon passing between the Sun and Earth, casting a shadow on our planet and temporarily blocking some of the Sun's light.

A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon perfectly covers the Sun, resulting in a temporary total darkness during the daytime. A partial eclipse, on the other hand, happens when the Moon does not fully align with the Sun, causing only a portion of it to cover the Sun, leaving a noticeable "bite" in its appearance. An annular solar eclipse occurs when the Moon is at its farthest point from Earth, making it appear smaller than the Sun, and thus leaving a thin, brilliant ring of sunlight visible around the black disk of the Moon, often referred to as the "Ring of Fire."

The eclipse is expected to commence at 15:34 GMT on August 12, 2026, with its shadow covering the Sun for a duration of approximately two minutes and eighteen seconds. In India, the eclipse will be visible at 9:04 pm IST, but it will not be visible from India as it will occur during nighttime, therefore, Indians will not have the opportunity to witness this celestial marvel.

However, the total solar eclipse will be visible from mainland Europe for the first time since 1999, with much of Spain falling within the path of totality or the region where the Moon's shadow will be cast, resulting in complete darkness during the daytime. Additionally, western Europe, parts of northwestern Africa, and certain areas of the United States will experience a partial solar eclipse.