Solar Eclipse 2026: The holy month of Sawan began on July 30, and the chant “Har-Har Mahadev” echoes everywhere. Devotees of Lord Shiva are busy seeking Bholenath’s blessings. The month of Sawan will conclude on August 28. Meanwhile, the last solar eclipse of the year is set to occur on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. This eclipse will take place in the Cancer zodiac sign (*Karka Rashi*) and the *Ashlesha Nakshatra*. People are wondering where in the world this year’s final solar eclipse will be visible. Will it be visible in India? Do you know when a solar eclipse occurs and what it actually is? If not, don’t worry—let’s find out in detail.
What is a solar eclipse?
A solar eclipse is an astronomical event where the Sun, the Moon, and the Earth align in a straight line in space. Because the Moon comes between the Sun and the Earth, sunlight cannot reach the Earth. During a total solar eclipse, the Sun’s corona is completely obscured, creating a darkness-like atmosphere even during the day.
Where will the total solar eclipse be visible?
The year’s major total solar eclipse is set to occur on August 12. It will appear as a total solar eclipse in parts of northern Russia, Greenland, Iceland, Spain, and Portugal. During this event, darkness will briefly descend in the northern regions of Spain.
What is the duration of the solar eclipse?
The solar eclipse on August 12 will last for a very short time. According to Indian Standard Time, the eclipse will begin around 9:05 PM on August 12. The total eclipse phase will start at 10:29 PM, reach its peak (mid-phase) at 11:17 PM, and conclude at 12:05 AM.
The final phase of the eclipse will end at 1:29 AM on August 13. Since the final solar eclipse of the year will not be visible from India—as it occurs while it is nighttime there—it will not be seen here at all.
Why is August 12 significant?
August 12, 2026, is considered a highly significant day for astronomy, as several rare celestial phenomena will occur simultaneously. In the pre-dawn sky—45 to 75 minutes before sunrise—six planets (Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune) will appear aligned; among them, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn will be easily identifiable without the aid of any instruments.
What should be done after the eclipse ends?
Once the eclipse concludes, it is customary to bathe and thoroughly clean the home and the place of worship. Subsequently, the shrine is purified by sprinkling *Gangajal* (holy water from the Ganges). Idols of deities are bathed, followed by ritualistic worship. According to religious beliefs, donating food and clothing to the needy during this time is also considered auspicious.