New Delhi: Ever wondered what it’s like when the Moon playfully teases the Sun, creating a fiery ring in the sky? The first solar eclipse of 2026, often
called Surya Grahan in India, has skywatchers buzzing with excitement. Set to dazzle on 17 February, this annular spectacle—known as the ‘ring of fire’—promises a breathtaking view for those in the right spots. But is it the 16 or 17 February? Stick around as we uncover the cosmic drama unfolding soon, perfect for astronomy fans and curious minds alike.
Imagine the Sun transforming into a glowing doughnut high above Antarctica— that’s the magic of this year’s inaugural Surya Grahan. While it won’t grace Indian shores directly, its global allure and astrological whispers make it a hot topic. From partial glimpses in southern Africa to the full ring over icy expanses, this eclipse kicks off a thrilling celestial season. Get ready to explore timings, visibility, and why it’s generating such hype worldwide.
When is Surya Grahan (February 2026)
“Surya Grahan” (the Hindi term for a solar eclipse) in 2026 will occur on Tuesday 17 February 2026. This is an annular eclipse: the Moon will be too far from Earth to cover the Sun completely, so observers on the central track will see the Sun turn into a luminous ring.
The central line of annularity crosses mostly uninhabited areas — western Antarctica and stretches of the Davis Sea — meaning only isolated research stations (for example Concordia) fall under the full annular track. Elsewhere in the Southern Hemisphere — parts of southern Africa, Madagascar, the southern tip of South America and some oceanic territories — people can witness a partial eclipse, where the Moon takes a noticeable “bite” from the Sun’s disc. If you’re in India, the event will be not visible as annularity and only very high-latitude or southern regions see the partial phase; mainstream Indian cities will not experience the eclipse.
Time of Solar Eclipse 2026
Kicking off at 09:56 UTC (3:26 PM IST), the eclipse builds to maximum at 12:12 UTC (5:42 PM IST), with the ‘ring of fire’ lasting up to 2 minutes 20 seconds along its Antarctic path. The full annular phase spans from 11:42 UTC to 12:41 UTC (5:12 PM to 6:11 PM IST), ending globally by 14:27 UTC (7:57 PM IST). Though invisible in India due to the Sun’s position below the horizon, live streams and apps let you join the thrill—perfect for stargazers tracking annular solar eclipse 2026 timings.
Why This Surya Grahan is special
The 17 February 2026 Surya Grahan stands out as a rare annular eclipse over Antarctica, a continent rarely kissed by such celestial drama, with up to 96% Sun coverage creating the longest ‘ring of fire’ phase of over 2 minutes in spots like Concordia Station. Dubbed a ‘Panch-Grahi’ event by some astrologers due to unique planetary alignments in Aquarius, it blends scientific rarity with Vedic intrigue, drawing researchers to icy outposts amid harsh polar conditions.
What is the ‘Ring of Fire’?
The ‘ring of fire’ dazzles during annular eclipses when the Moon, at its farthest orbital point (apogee), appears too small to fully blanket the Sun, framing its dark silhouette with a blazing solar annulus. This fiery halo, lasting 1-2 minutes at peak, casts an eerie twilight glow without total darkness, often accompanied by Baily’s beads—sparkling Sunlight jewels peeking through lunar valleys.
What is a Solar Eclipse?
A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, temporarily blocking the Sun’s light and casting a shadow on our planet. This celestial dance creates a breathtaking spectacle, from subtle partial obscurations to dramatic total blackouts of daylight.
There are three main types: total, where the Sun is fully hidden; partial, offering a bite-like chunk out of the Sun; and annular—like our 2026 star—where the Moon appears smaller, leaving a fiery ring visible around its edges. Imagine the Sun transformed into a glowing doughnut in the sky, a sight that has inspired myths and science for centuries.
The Moon’s orbit makes it seem Sun-sized from Earth, aligning perfectly for this cosmic show—nature’s own light trick that draws millions to safe viewing spots worldwide.
Will Solar Eclipse 2026 Be Visible in India?
No, the annular solar eclipse of 17 February 2026, fondly termed Surya Grahan, will not be visible anywhere in India. This celestial wonder traces its path across Antarctica and southern oceanic realms.
Instead, skywatchers in southern Africa—like Cape Town or Durban—and tips of Argentina and Chile might catch partial glimpses, while Antarctica hosts the full ‘ring of fire’. For Indians, live streams from NASA or astronomy apps offer the next best thrill, turning disappointment into a virtual front-row seat to this remote spectacle.
What is the Sutak Period for Solar Eclipse?
In Hindu traditions, the Sutak Kaal—or Sutak period—is an inauspicious time starting 12 hours before a solar eclipse (Surya Grahan), when auspicious activities like cooking, eating non-vegetarian food, temple visits, marriages, or starting new ventures are avoided to ward off negative cosmic energies. This precautionary phase, rooted in ancient scriptures, emphasises purity and protection, especially for pregnant women who rest and chant mantras; homes cover deities’ idols, and simple sattvic meals are prepared beforehand.
For the 17 February 2026 annular Surya Grahan, Sutak would theoretically begin around 3:26 AM IST on 17, aligning with the eclipse’s start at 3:26 PM IST, but lasts only where visible.
Will Sutak period be valid in India?
No, the Sutak period will not be valid in India for this solar eclipse, as the event remains invisible across the country—religious texts deem Sutak applicable only in regions where the eclipse is naked-eye visible. Indians can carry on with daily routines, puja, and meals without restrictions, though those travelling to visibility zones like southern Africa or Antarctica must observe local Sutak timings.
