A solar eclipse is scheduled for August 12, 2026, and observers across various regions worldwide will see it either in full or partial form. The phenomenon happens when the sun, moon and Earth line up, allowing the moon to pass between the sun and Earth. This blocks part of the sun’s light and casts a shadow on the planet. A complete eclipse takes place when the moon fully obscures the sun, turning daytime briefly dark. A partial version occurs when alignment is imperfect, so only a portion of the sun appears covered. An annular eclipse happens when the moon is at its farthest distance, leaving a bright ring of sunlight visible around its edge. The event begins at 15:34 GMT, with the moon’s shadow covering the sun for up to two minutes and 18 seconds. In Indian Standard Time this corresponds to 9:04 pm. The eclipse will not be observable from India because it occurs after sunset there. However, a total eclipse will cross mainland Europe for the first time since 1999, with Spain lying in the path of totality. Western Europe, sections of northwestern Africa and parts of the United States will experience a partial eclipse.
