Solar eclipse 2026: Will it be visible from India?

A solar eclipse will occur on August 12, 2026, with many parts of the world set to witness the celestial event, either partially or completely. 

Also read: What the night sky offers in August

What is a solar eclipse?

A solar eclipse is when the Sun, Moon and Earth are in alignment, and the Moon passes directly between the Sun and Earth, casting a shadow on our planet and blocking some of the fiery ball’s light. 

A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon perfectly covers the Sun and for a few minutes the day sky turns completely dark. 

Our coverage of the February 2026 eclipse

A partial eclipse is when the Moon is not in alignment and only a part of it covers the Sun, making it appear as if a “bite” of the Sun has been eaten away. 

An annular solar eclipse is when the Moon is near its farthest point from Earth. Because it is smaller than the Sun, it doesn’t cover it completely, leaving a thin, bright outer ring of sunlight visible called the ‘Ring of Fire.’

Solar eclipse 2026: Timings in IST

The eclipse will start at 15.34 GMT on August 12, 2026, and the moon’s shadow will cover the sun for as long as two minutes and 18 seconds. The timing of the eclipse in IST, or Indian Standard Time, is 9.04 pm.

Will solar eclipse be visible in India?

The solar eclipse will not be visible in India as it will occur at night, and thus, Indians will miss out on witnessing the celestial event on August 12, 2026.

But a total solar eclipse will be visible in mainland Europe for the first time since 1999, with much of Spain coming under the path of totality or the area in which the moon’s shadow will fall, resulting in complete darkness during daytime.

Western Europe, parts of northwestern Africa and some parts of the U.S. will see a partial solar eclipse.