Solar Eclipses in 2026 - Overview
In 2026, there will be 2 solar eclipses (Surya Grahan). Neither will be visible from India, but sutak is still observed by many Hindu families. Below are complete details for both eclipses.
| Date | Type | Visible in India | Visibility Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 17, 2026 | Annular | No | Antarctica, S. America, Africa |
| August 12, 2026 | Total | No | Arctic, Greenland, Spain |
First Solar Eclipse - February 17, 2026
Annular Solar Eclipse (Ring of Fire)
ANNULAR NOT VISIBLE IN INDIA
| Timing Details (IST) | |
|---|---|
| Eclipse Begins (Globally) | 10:53 AM IST |
| Maximum Eclipse | 2:30 PM IST |
| Eclipse Ends (Globally) | 6:06 PM IST |
| Duration of Annularity | 2 minutes 20 seconds (max) |
Sutak Period
Note: Since this eclipse is not visible in India, many astrologers say sutak is not applicable. However, traditionalists may still observe:
- Sutak Start: Feb 17, 2:30 AM IST (12 hours before max)
- Sutak End: After ritual bath post eclipse
Visibility Map
This eclipse will be visible in:
Visible only in Antarctica, southern South America, and western Africa.
Second Solar Eclipse - August 12, 2026
Total Solar Eclipse
TOTAL NOT VISIBLE IN INDIA
| Timing Details (IST) | |
|---|---|
| Eclipse Begins (Globally) | 4:16 PM IST |
| Maximum Eclipse | 10:17 PM IST |
| Eclipse Ends (Globally) | 9:47 PM IST (next day start) |
| Duration of Totality | 2 minutes 18 seconds (max) |
Sutak Period
Note: Not visible in India, sutak observance is optional:
- Sutak Start: Aug 12, 10:17 AM IST (12 hours before max)
- Sutak End: After ritual bath post eclipse
Visibility Map
Visible in Arctic, Greenland, Iceland, Atlantic Ocean, Spain, and Portugal.
Mantras for Solar Eclipse
Surya Gayatri Mantra (108 times)
"Om Adityaya Vidmahe Sahasra Kiranaya Dhimahi Tanno Surya Prachodayat"
ॐ आदित्याय विद्महे सहस्र किरणाय धीमहि तन्नो सूर्य प्रचोदयात्
Surya Beej Mantra
"Om Hraam Hreem Hraum Sah Suryaya Namah"
ॐ ह्रां ह्रीं ह्रौं सः सूर्याय नमः
Mahamrityunjaya Mantra (for protection)
"Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat"
Precautions During Solar Eclipse
Pregnant Women
- Stay indoors during eclipse
- Do not use scissors/needles
- Do not look at eclipse
- Chant mantras for protection
Food Rules
- Do not cook during eclipse
- Add tulsi to stored food
- Discard cooked food after eclipse
- Fresh fruits are acceptable
Effects on Zodiac Signs
Solar eclipses can have different effects based on your moon sign. The February eclipse occurs in Aquarius and August eclipse in Leo.
Get Personalized Solar Eclipse Analysis
Know how Surya Grahan 2026 will affect your specific birth chart