NEW DELHI, JAN 2: A total of four eclipses—two solar and two lunar—will occur in 2026, but only one lunar eclipse will be visible from India, according to astronomical details for the year.
The only eclipse that Indians will be able to witness directly is a total lunar eclipse on March 3, 2026, which will last for about 58 minutes. During the event, the Moon is expected to appear red, a phenomenon commonly known as a blood moon.
Astronomers note that this will also be the last total lunar eclipse until 2029, making it a significant celestial event for skywatchers in the country.
The year’s first eclipse will take place on February 17, when an annular solar eclipse, often referred to as the “Ring of Fire,” will be visible in South Africa, southern Argentina and Antarctica. Nearly 96 percent of the Sun will be covered during the eclipse, which will last around 2 minutes and 20 seconds, but it will not be visible in India. As a result, Sutak Kala will not apply.
A second solar eclipse will occur on July 29, visible from parts of Africa, South America and Antarctica, but not from India.
The final eclipse of the year, a lunar eclipse on August 28, will be seen in parts of North and South America, Europe and Africa, while remaining invisible in India.
