The sky gazers from all over the globe are preparing themselves for an astronomical spectacle as the first total solar eclipse of 2026 will take place on August 12. During a total solar eclipse, the Moon will come in front of the Earth and cover the Sun completely for the viewers present on the path of totality.
For those hoping to watch the rare event from India, however, there is some disappointing news. The August 12 total solar eclipse will not be visible from anywhere in India. Neither the path of totality nor the region experiencing a partial eclipse extends over the country.
When will the 2026 total solar eclipse take place?
The total solar eclipse will occur on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. The eclipse will unfold over several hours globally, although the exact timings will differ depending on the location. For people standing directly in the path of totality, the period during which the Moon completely covers the Sun will be brief. NASA says totality will last for less than two minutes at most locations, although it can last slightly longer near the centre of the eclipse path.
Will the solar eclipse be visible from India?
No. India will not witness the August 12 total solar eclipse. According to NASA's visibility maps, the eclipse's path does not extend over India, meaning skywatchers across the country will not be able to see either the total or partial phases of this eclipse. This is because the portion of Earth from which the eclipse can be observed does not include India. While parts of Europe, North America and north-western Africa will experience the eclipse to varying degrees, India falls outside the visibility zone.
Where will the total solar eclipse be visible?
The narrow path of totality will sweep across several parts of the Northern Hemisphere. According to NASA, totality will be visible across Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, northern Spain and a small part of Portugal, as well as over the Atlantic Ocean.
Among the locations highlighted for viewing are:
- Northern Spain
- Iceland
- Greenland
- Northern Russia
- A small part of northern Portugal
Spain is expected to be particularly popular among eclipse watchers because several accessible locations fall within the path of totality.
What makes a total solar eclipse special?
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun. During a total solar eclipse, the Moon completely covers the Sun's bright face for observers positioned within the path of totality. For a brief period, daylight can become noticeably darker and the Sun's outer atmosphere, known as the corona, becomes visible. NASA notes that for many locations along the path, totality will last less than two minutes. The experience is very different from a partial solar eclipse, where the Moon covers only part of the Sun.
What time will the eclipse happen?
There is no specific local viewing time since the eclipse occurs through different time zones, and the events happen at different times at different places. For instance, according to NASA, totality will start around 5:48 pm in Reykjavik, Iceland, and in León, Spain, totality will start around 8:28 pm in local time, and in Valencia, totality starts around 8:32 pm. It happens on a global level, but at an earlier time and at different parts of the world as the shadow of the Moon moves across the world.
Can you look directly at a solar eclipse?
Solar viewing requires caution. Looking directly at the Sun during the partial phases of an eclipse without proper protection can cause serious and permanent eye damage. Certified solar-viewing glasses or an approved solar filter should be used during the partial phases. Ordinary sunglasses are not a safe substitute. There is one important exception: people who are inside the path of totality can look at the Sun without eye protection only during the brief period when the Moon has completely covered the Sun. Protective eyewear must be put back on before totality ends.
Will Indians be able to watch the eclipse?
Though the eclipse itself cannot be seen in India, the people there will still be able to watch the celestial event via live streaming from different observatories and astronomy portals. For Indian skywatchers, the key date to remember is August 12, 2026, but there will be no direct view of the eclipse from Indian skies. The best in-person views will be reserved for those travelling to locations along the path of totality.
The August 2026 eclipse is therefore set to be a major event for eclipse chasers, particularly across Iceland, Spain, Greenland and parts of Russia. For India, it will be an event to follow from afar rather than one to watch from the backyard.
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Solar Eclipse 2026 Ring of Fire updates: Will people in India be affected?
