Solar Eclipse 2026: Will India Witness the First Surya Grahan of the Year? Check Date And Time

A solar eclipse happens on a new moon day, the moment of the new moon is the moment of the conjunction of the Sun and the Moon. The first solar eclipse of 2026 will occur in February 17, Tuesday. This is an annular solar eclipse, in which the Sun is not completely covered, and the outer part of the Sun appears like a bright ring.  

What is Annular Solar Eclipse?

Solar eclipses are of different types, partial solar eclipse, total solar eclipse, annular solar eclipse, etc. The solar eclipse occurring in February will be of the annular type. This phenomenon, which resembles a bright ring, is called an annular solar eclipse. In every eclipse, a penumbra (partial shadow) may fall on the Earth, but due to the changing distance of the Moon, the umbra (darkest shadow) does not always reach the Earth's surface. When this happens, a partial or annular solar eclipse occurs.

First solar eclipse Timing 

The first solar eclipse of 2026 will occur on Tuesday, February 17th. This eclipse will begin at 3:26 PM and will last until 7:57 PM. The total duration of the eclipse will be approximately 4 hours and 32 minutes.

When will the 2026 solar eclipse begin and end?

Annular solar eclipse begins: 3:26 AM

Annular solar eclipse midpoint: 5:42 AM

Annular solar eclipse ends: 7:57 AM

Zodiac Relevance

An annular solar eclipse, where the Sun appears as a bright ring, will occur in the Aquarius zodiac sign. During the eclipse, the Sun, Rahu, Mercury, and Venus will be in Aquarius, opposed by Ketu in Leo. Astrologically, solar eclipses caused by Rahu and Ketu may increase mental stress, confusion, and uncertainty.

Will This Solar eclipse Visible In India?

No, this annular solar eclipse will will not be visible in India. This eclipse will be visible in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Namibia, Mauritius, Antarctica, southern Argentina, Chile, and surrounding areas.