🌞 Solar Eclipse 2026: Dates & Types

Balasahana Suresh
In 2026, Earth will experience two solar eclipses — one annular and one total.

🪐 1. Annular Solar Eclipse — February 17, 2026

  • Type: Annular eclipse (also known as a “Ring of Fire”).
  • This happens when the Moon is slightly farther from Earth and doesn’t completely cover the Sun’s disk — leaving a bright ring around it.
  • Maximum eclipse: Around 12:12 PM UTC (around afternoon in UTC zones).
  • Visibility:
    • Full annular path: Parts of Antarctica only.
    • Partial eclipse visible: Very southern edges of Argentina & Chile, southern Africa (South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe), Madagascar and nearby areas.
  • In India: This eclipse will not be visible because the path lies far south — so indian skywatchers won’t see it directly.
🪐 2. Total Solar Eclipse — August 12, 2026

  • Type: Total solar eclipse (Moon completely covers the sun for a short time).
  • Totality path:
    • Passes over the Arctic region, Greenland, Iceland, parts of northern Spain, and northeastern Portugal.
  • Partial eclipse: Surrounding areas thousands of kilometres wide will see the sun partially covered.
  • In India: Not visible — only viewers in parts of Europe, Arctic and North Atlantic will experience totality.
📍 Full List of Major Regions Where Each Eclipse Can Be Seen

🪐 February 17, 2026 (Annular)

  • Annular path: Antarctica
  • Partial visibility:
    • Southern South America (Argentina, Chile)
    • Southern Africa (South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe)
    • Madagascar
    • South Atlantic regions
🌑 August 12, 2026 (Total)

  • Totality path:
    • Arctic Circle regions
    • Greenland
    • Iceland
    • Northern spain (including Asturias, Basque Country)
    • Northeastern Portugal
  • Partial zones: Much of Europe, northern Africa and adjacent oceans surrounding the totality path.
➡️ Note: Neither of the 2026 solar eclipses will be visible from India due to Earth’s geometry, though they will be spectacular from other parts of the world.

🕒 Timing Guide (General)

Solar eclipses are brief compared with lunar eclipses:

  • Annular eclipse (Feb 17): The central ring phase lasts a few minutes at best where visible.
  • Total eclipse (Aug 12): Totality at peak can last a couple of minutes, depending on location.
Precise local times differ by longitude — check world eclipse maps or local astronomy updates nearer the date.

🔭 How a Solar Eclipse Works (Quick Science)

🌞 A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun, casting a shadow on Earth. There are three major types:

  • Annular: moon covers Sun’s center → ring of light remains.
  • Total: moon completely covers the sun → day turns to night briefly.
  • Partial: Only part of the sun is obscured for the viewer.
👁️ How to watch Safely

⚠️ Never look directly at the sun without proper protection. Regular sunglasses do not block harmful solar rays.

Safe Viewing Options

✔ ISO‑certified eclipse glasses / solar viewers
✔ Solar filters on telescopes, binoculars or camera lenses
✔ Pinhole projection (indirect viewing) — make a small hole in cardboard and watch the Sun’s image projected onto paper
✔ Live streams (NASA, ESA and astronomy websites) if the eclipse isn’t visible in your location

📌 Even during a partial eclipse, direct viewing without a filter can cause serious eye damage.

🗺️ Bonus: Eclipse Seasons in 2026

2026 will have a busy eclipse calendar with:

  • 2 Solar eclipses: february 17 (annular) and august 12 (total).
  • 2 Lunar eclipses: march 3 (total) and august 28 (partial).
While the solar eclipses won’t be visible from india, the March 3 total lunar eclipse will be visible from large parts of the night sky.

📌 Final Summary

Eclipse Type

Date

Best Seen In

Visible from India?

Annular (Ring of Fire)

Feb 17, 2026

Antarctica + partial in South America & Africa

❌

Total

Aug 12, 2026

Arctic, Greenland, Iceland, spain, Portugal

❌

 

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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