Patna: The second and final solar eclipse of 2026 will take place on Wednesday, August 12, extending into the early hours of August 13. The eclipse will not be visible from India, according to the information cited from Drik Panchang, and the traditional Sutak period will therefore not be observed in the country.
The eclipse is expected to last about four hours and 24 minutes. According to the cited timings, it will begin at 9:04 pm IST on August 12 and end at 1:27 am on August 13. Totality is expected to begin at around 10:28 pm, with the eclipse reaching its peak at 11:16 pm.
Where The Eclipse Will Be Visible
The total solar eclipse will be visible along a path covering parts of northern Russia, Greenland, Iceland, the North Atlantic and parts of the Iberian Peninsula.
A partial eclipse will be visible across wider areas, including parts of Europe, Canada, North America and north-western Africa.
India will not fall within the eclipse’s visibility zone.
What Is A Total Solar Eclipse?
A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun and completely blocks the Sun’s visible disc for observers within the path of totality.
Only the Sun’s corona is visible during the brief period of totality. However, people must not look directly at the Sun during the partial phases without proper solar viewing protection, as this can cause serious retinal injury.
Why Sutak Will Not Apply In India
According to traditional Hindu religious practices, the Sutak period is generally observed before a solar eclipse in places where the eclipse is visible.
As the August 12 eclipse will not be visible in India, religious interpretations cited in connection with the event state that Sutak will not apply here. Temples and household shrines can therefore follow their normal routines, with no eclipse-related restrictions on worship or other daily religious practices.
These are religious beliefs and customs and are not scientific effects associated with an eclipse.
Astrological Beliefs About The Eclipse
Astrologer has said the eclipse will occur in Cancer and Ashlesha Nakshatra. According to astrological beliefs, its influence may be felt differently by people belonging to different zodiac signs.
Astrology is not scientifically established as a method for predicting health, financial or personal outcomes. The following predictions are therefore presented as astrological beliefs.
Aries: Caution In Family Matters
Astrologers advise Aries natives to exercise restraint in family discussions and domestic matters. Property and vehicle-related decisions should be taken carefully, while unnecessary disputes and impulsive decisions should be avoided.
Cancer: Avoid Hasty Decisions
As the eclipse is said to occur in Cancer, astrologers consider people born under this sign more sensitive to its influence. They advise avoiding major decisions related to jobs or businesses and paying attention to stress, health and unnecessary travel.
Libra: Focus On Career
Libra natives are advised to remain careful in professional matters. Astrologers suggest maintaining clear communication with senior colleagues and considering new projects or workplace changes only after reviewing the details carefully.
Capricorn: Review Partnerships
For Capricorn natives, astrologers recommend caution in personal and business partnerships. They advise reviewing documents carefully before signing agreements and conducting due diligence before making new investments.
What To Keep In Mind
Religious traditions associated with eclipses advise avoiding certain activities during the eclipse, including eating, cooking, touching idols and starting auspicious ceremonies. These practices are matters of faith and vary among communities.
There is no scientific evidence that an eclipse makes food, water or the atmosphere harmful. Similarly, there is no scientific basis for claims that pregnant women must remain indoors or avoid using sharp objects during an eclipse.
The key scientifically established precaution is eye safety. Anyone observing a solar eclipse must use certified solar viewing equipment and should never look directly at the Sun through ordinary sunglasses, cameras or other unapproved optical devices.
Since the eclipse will not be visible from India, residents can continue their normal daily and religious routines without needing to observe eclipse-related restrictions.
