New Delhi: The second and final solar eclipse of 2026 will take place on August 12. The rare celestial event is drawing attention across the world as a total solar eclipse will be visible from several regions.
However, people in India will not be able to witness the eclipse directly because the event will not be visible from India.
When Will Sutak Period Begin For Solar Eclipse 2026?
According to traditional Hindu beliefs, the Sutak period for a solar eclipse begins 12 hours before the eclipse.
For the August 12, 2026 solar eclipse, the Sutak period is expected to begin at around 9:04 am, according to the religious calculations cited for the event.
It should be noted that Sutak is a religious and cultural belief and is not an astronomical phenomenon recognised by modern science.
Where Will The Solar Eclipse Be Visible?
The total phase of the August 12 solar eclipse will be visible from parts of the Arctic region, Greenland, Iceland and Spain, among other areas along the path of totality.
A partial solar eclipse will be visible across wider regions, including parts of northern North America, much of Europe and northwestern Africa, as well as areas around the Arctic and North Atlantic oceans.
India falls outside the visibility path, meaning the eclipse will not be directly observable from the country.
What Will The Last Solar Eclipse Of 2026 Look Like?
The August 12 event will be a total solar eclipse, meaning the Moon will pass directly between the Earth and the Sun and completely cover the Sun for observers located along the narrow path of totality.
According to NASA, totality will be visible in regions including Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia and Spain, with a small part of Portugal also falling within the eclipse’s path.
The exact experience will depend on the observer’s location, with some areas witnessing complete darkness during totality while others will see only a partial eclipse.
What Should You Keep In Mind During A Solar Eclipse?
Looking directly at the Sun during an eclipse can cause serious damage to the eyes. If an eclipse is visible from your location, it is essential to use certified solar viewing glasses or appropriate solar filters. Ordinary sunglasses are not safe for viewing the Sun.
There are also several traditional practices associated with solar eclipses. In some Hindu traditions, people avoid cooking or eating during the eclipse and observe the Sutak period.
Various beliefs also advise pregnant women to avoid activities such as sewing, cutting, peeling or preparing food during an eclipse. However, there is no scientific evidence that a solar eclipse makes these activities harmful or poses a special risk to pregnant women.
For those in India, the August 12 eclipse will remain an astronomical event that can be followed through reliable observatories, scientific organisations and authorised live streams rather than direct observation from the country.
