🌞 1. What Is a Solar Eclipse?

A solar eclipse happens when the Moon moves between the Earth and the Sun, blocking some or all of the Sun’s light from reaching the Earth. The type of eclipse (partial, annular, total) depends on how much the moon covers the Sun.

Annular solar eclipses occur when the moon is a bit farther from Earth in its orbit — so it appears smaller in the sky and cannot completely cover the Sun. This leaves a glowing ring of sunlight around the Moon’s silhouette, known as the “Ring of Fire.”

📅 2. Key Solar Eclipse Dates in 2026

There are two solar eclipses in 2026:

🔹 February 17, 2026 – Annular Solar Eclipse

  • Type: Annular (Ring of Fire) Eclipse
  • Starts: ~3:26 PM IST
  • Ends: ~7:57 PM IST
  • Duration: ~4 hours 31 minutes
  • Peak: ~5:13 PM – 6:11 PM IST

However, this eclipse will not be visible from India — the sun will already be below the horizon for indian observers, so no partial or annular phase can be seen locally.

🔹 August 12, 2026 – Total Solar Eclipse

  • Type: Total eclipse (Moon fully covers the sun for a short period)
  • Visibility: Not visible in India
  • This eclipse is seen in parts of Greenland, Iceland, spain and Arctic regions but again not from India.

📍 Summary: Neither of the 2026 solar eclipses will be visible in India.

🌍 3. Where Will the february 17 Eclipse Be Seen?

The february annular eclipse’s path of annularity is mostly over Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, with partial phases visible in parts of southern Africa and South America, including:

  • Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia
  • Mauritius, Mozambique
  • Argentina, Chile
  • Antarctica and nearby islands

Astronomers and skywatchers in these regions will be able to see the “Ring of Fire” if skies are clear.

⏱️ 4. Eclipse Timing (Indian Standard Time)

For the February 17, 2026 event (all times in IST):

  • 🌅 Start: ~3:26 PM
  • 🌘 Peak: ~5:13 – 6:11 PM
  • 🌇 End: ~7:57 PM

This timing is based on celestial alignment but isn’t useful for viewing in india since the sun will be below the horizon.

🧿 5. Does Sutak Kaal Apply in India?

In Hindu tradition, Sutak Kaal is an inauspicious period observed before a solar eclipse when certain activities (like cooking, starting new work etc.) are avoided.

🔹 Since this eclipse is not visible from India, Sutak Kaal is not considered applicable in most traditional practices within the country. Temples usually remain open and normal activities continue.

📿 6. Cultural Beliefs & Rituals (General)

Even though this particular eclipse won’t be visible in india, many people still observe traditional practices during eclipses, including:

  • Saying mantras or prayers
  • Meditation or spiritual reflection
  • Taking a bath after the eclipse
  • Avoiding cooking or eating during the eclipse period
    These are rooted in cultural beliefs about purity and cosmic influence, though they vary by family/tradition.

🔭 7. Astronomy Tips & Safety

Solar eclipses are fascinating celestial events, but you must never look directly at the sun without proper protection — even during an annular eclipse. To observe safely:

  • Use certified solar eclipse glasses (ISO 12312‑2)
  • Use solar filters on telescopes/binoculars
  • Or use indirect viewing (e.g., pinhole projector)

This applies worldwide, whether you’re in the visibility path or watching a live stream.

📺 8. How to watch from India

Since the eclipse won’t be visible locally, you can still enjoy it by:

  • Watching live streams from nasa or other space agencies
  • Following astronomy channels or observatories online
  • Checking timing based on UTC/IST if you plan an expedition abroad to see it firsthand.

🪐 9. Quick Summary — 2026 Solar Eclipses & India

Event

Date

Type

Visible in India?

🌞 Annular Eclipse

Feb 17, 2026

“Ring of Fire”

❌ No

🌞 Total Eclipse

Aug 12, 2026

Total Solar Eclipse

❌ No

So in 2026, India won’t have any solar eclipse visible, but sky lovers can still enjoy the events digitally or by traveling to the visibility zones.

 

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.

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Kokila Chokkanathan

17/02/2026 07:27 PM