Solar Eclipse 2026: Visibility, Time, & Impact!

Solar Eclipse 2026: In Vedic astrology, a solar eclipse is considered a highly mysterious and powerful celestial event. When a solar eclipse occurs, its deep impact is felt not only in the sky but also on the Earth and human life. During the time of an eclipse, the flow of invisible energy in the atmosphere intensifies, which affects nature as well as the human mind and thoughts. According to religious beliefs, actions performed during a solar eclipse yield special results, while certain activities are considered forbidden.

To Know More About This Week, Talk To The Best Astrologers!

Now, as we talk about the new year 2026, it is set to begin with a special astronomical event. The first solar eclipse of 2026 will not only be significant from an astrological point of view, but it has also sparked great curiosity among people regarding its effects.

Let us find out when this solar eclipse 2026 will occur, whether it will be visible in India or not, and what kind of impact it may have.

What Is An Eclipse?

An eclipse is not merely an ordinary event that occurs in the sky; rather, it is a special and mysterious alignment formed between three important celestial bodies of the universe: the Sun, the Moon, and the Earth. When the positions of these heavenly bodies align in such a way that their light gets obscured by one another, an eclipse occurs. This is why sometimes the Moon comes between the Sun and the Earth and blocks the Sun’s rays, and at other times, the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, affecting the Moon’s brightness.

This extraordinary astronomical phenomenon is known as an eclipse. From a religious perspective, eclipses are associated with specific rules and traditions, while in astrology, they are considered indicators of major changes and influences. Scientifically as well, the study of eclipses is extremely important, as it helps us gain valuable information about the universe and its celestial structure. Eclipses are mainly of two types: solar eclipses and lunar eclipses. Now, let us move ahead to understand what a lunar eclipse is and how many types of it exist.

Get Your Yearly Report For 2026: Personalized Horoscope 2026

Solar Eclipse 2026: Date & Time

According to astrologers, the first solar eclipse of 2026 will occur on 17 February at 3:26 PM and will end at 7:57 PM. This will be an annular solar eclipse. The eclipse will take place in the Aquarius zodiac sign and Dhanishta Nakshatra.

Tithi	Phalguna month, Krishna Paksha, Amavasya
Day & Date	Tuesday, 17 February 2026
Solar Eclipse Start Time	From 3:26 PM
Solar Eclipse End Time	Till 7:57 PM
Visibility Region	South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, southern parts of South Africa, Namibia, Mauritius, Tanzania, southern regions of South America including Chile and Argentina, and Antarctica (not visible in India)

Note: The eclipse timings mentioned in the above table are according to Indian Standard Time (IST). This will be the first solar eclipse of 2026, but since it will not be visible in India, it will not have any religious significance in India, nor will the Sutak period be applicable.

Will The Solar Eclipse 2026 Be Visible In India?

The first solar eclipse of the year will not be visible in India. This eclipse will be visible in South Africa, southern Argentina, and Antarctica. Since the solar eclipse will not be seen in India, its Sutak period will also not be applicable in India.

What Is Sutak Kaal?

Sutak Kaal is the period that begins before an eclipse and continues until the eclipse ends. According to religious beliefs, the influence of negative energy in the environment increases during Sutak Kaal, and therefore, performing auspicious and ceremonial activities during this time is considered prohibited. Generally, Sutak Kaal begins about 12 hours before a solar eclipse and about 9 hours before a lunar eclipse.

During this period, activities such as worship, touching idols, cooking or consuming food, and starting new tasks are considered inappropriate. After Sutak Kaal ends, people perform purification rituals like bathing and worship, and only then resume their normal daily routine. From a religious perspective, Sutak Kaal is regarded as a time for restraint and caution.

When Does A Solar Eclipse Occur?

A solar eclipse is a special astronomical event that occurs on the day of Amavasya (new moon). On this day, the Moon comes between the Sun and the Earth, due to which the Sun’s rays are unable to reach the Earth fully or partially. When the Moon covers the Sun, the phenomenon of a solar eclipse becomes visible in the sky. This view can be partial or total, depending on the position and distance of the Moon.

However, a solar eclipse does not occur on every Amavasya. The main reason for this is that the Moon’s orbit is slightly tilted in comparison to the Earth’s orbit. Because of this tilt, the Sun, Moon, and Earth do not align in a straight line every time. A solar eclipse forms only when all three celestial bodies come into a perfect straight alignment. For this reason, solar eclipses are seen only on limited occasions during a year and are considered rare and significant astronomical events.

Types Of Solar Eclipse 2026

Solar eclipses are mainly of three types. They depend on how much of the Sun is covered by the Moon.

Total Solar Eclipse

This occurs when the Moon completely covers the Sun. During this time, darkness prevails even in the daytime, and stars may become visible in the sky. It is considered the rarest and most powerful form of a solar eclipse.

Partial Solar Eclipse

This happens when the Moon covers only a part of the Sun. In this case, a portion of the Sun remains visible, and the light does not disappear completely. This type of eclipse is often seen in various regions, including India.

Annular Solar Eclipse

This occurs when the Moon comes in front of the Sun, but, due to its greater distance from the Earth, it is unable to cover the Sun completely. As a result, a bright ring of light appears around the Sun, which is known as the “Ring of Fire” or fiery ring.

To Know Your Moon Sign, click here: Moon Sign Calculator!

What To Do & What Not To Do On Solar Eclipse 2026

What To Do

• Take a bath before the eclipse begins and keep your mind calm and composed.
• During the eclipse period, remember or meditate upon Lord Vishnu or Surya Dev (the Sun).
• Chanting mantras mentally is considered auspicious, such as “Om Namah Shivaya,” “Om Suryaya Namah,” or Vishnu mantras.
• After the eclipse ends, take a bath again and then perform prayers and worship.
• Engage in charity and donations to the needy, such as food grains, clothes, or money.

What Not To Do

• Do not look at the Sun without protective glasses, as it can harm the eyes.
• Cooking food or eating during the eclipse period is considered prohibited.
• Avoid worship, touching idols, or visiting temples during the eclipse.
• Do not start any new work, weddings, or auspicious activities.
• Refrain from activities like cutting hair, trimming nails, or sewing and embroidery.
• Pregnant women should take special precautions and avoid going outside.
• Water and food items kept in the house should be purified after the eclipse before being used.

Things Pregnant Women Should Never Do During A Solar Eclipse

According to religious beliefs and traditional experiences, pregnant women are advised to take special precautions during a solar eclipse. Considering the changes that occur in the environment during this time, certain activities are considered prohibited. Let us understand what these are:

• Pregnant women should not step outside the house during a solar eclipse and should strictly avoid trying to look directly at the Sun.
• Cooking food or eating during the eclipse period is considered prohibited.
• Activities involving cutting or piercing, such as cutting vegetables or fruits, sewing, or threading a needle, are believed to be forbidden.
• Cutting nails or hair should be avoided.
• Sleeping during the eclipse is discouraged; instead, it is considered better to sit calmly and chant mantras or remember God.
• Avoid listening to negative talk, watching frightening content, or taking excessive stress.
• After the eclipse ends, take a bath, wear clean clothes, and only then eat food.

All these precautions are based on traditions and religious beliefs. For any health-related concerns, consulting a doctor is always the most important and necessary step.

To Know The Time Of Raj Yoga, Order Now: Raj Yoga Report

Remedies To Perform On The Solar Eclipse 2026

For Financial Growth

Before the solar eclipse begins, tie a small amount of rice, turmeric, and a coin in a piece of cloth. After the eclipse ends, place it in your safe or at your place of worship. It is believed that this helps reduce financial difficulties.

To Remove Negative Energy

During the eclipse, sprinkle Gangajal at the main entrance of the house, or sprinkle water mixed with a little turmeric. This is believed to maintain positive energy in the home.

To Get Relief From Illness And Suffering

During the eclipse period, mentally chant “Om Namah Shivaya” or “Om Suryaya Namah.” It is believed that this brings mental peace and improvement in health.

For Progeny And Well-Being (For Pregnant Women)

During the eclipse, a pregnant woman should place a red cloth over her abdomen and remember God. This is a traditional belief that is said to bring peace of mind.

For Planetary Dosha Remedies

After the eclipse ends, donate food grains, jaggery, copper, or red clothes to the poor. It is believed that this helps pacify doshas related to the Sun.

For Purification Of The Home

After the eclipse, light incense, lamps, or guggal throughout the house, and use the kitchen only after taking a bath.

For Astrological Remedies & Services, Visit: AstroSage AI Online Shopping Store! 

We hope you liked our blog. Thank you for becoming an important part of the AstroSage family. For more interesting blogs, stay connected with us!

Frequently Asked Questions