The world is going to witness a major astronomical phenomenon in August 2026, when the first total solar eclipse of the year will present a unique scene in the sky. According to astronomers, this eclipse will be completely visible in many parts of Europe, while South Asian countries, including Pakistan, will miss this view because it will be night here at that time.
According to astronomers, a solar eclipse occurs when the moon comes between the Earth and the sun, temporarily blocking some or all of the sunlight from reaching the Earth. During a total solar eclipse, darkness covers the day for a few minutes, and the outer atmosphere of the sun, called the corona, becomes visible. This is what makes this astronomical event so special around the world.
This eclipse will occur on August 12, 2026, and its total phase will be visible in parts of Europe, Greenland, Iceland and northern Russia. Millions of people in the northern regions of Spain and Portugal will also witness this rare astronomical spectacle. According to experts, a total solar eclipse is going to be visible in Europe after about three decades, due to which a large number of scientists and tourists are preparing to visit the relevant areas on this occasion.
In addition, a partial solar eclipse will also be visible in a large area of Europe, North Africa, North America, the Atlantic Ocean, the Arctic and parts of the Pacific Ocean.
According to Pakistan time, this astronomical event will occur at night, due to which the eclipse will not be visible in Pakistan, India, China, Afghanistan, Iran, Sri Lanka and other countries in the region due to the sun being below the horizon.
According to the available astronomical times, the eclipse will begin at 8:34 pm Pakistan Standard Time, while the total solar eclipse phase will begin at around 9:58 pm. The duration of the total eclipse may vary at different locations; however, overall this phase is expected to last until around 10:46 pm. After the end of the total eclipse, the partial eclipse phases will continue until late at night, and the entire astronomical process will end at around 12:58 pm.
Astronomers have also advised the public to exercise caution on this occasion. According to them, looking directly at the solar eclipse at any stage without proper protective equipment can cause permanent damage to eyesight. Ordinary sunglasses, X-ray film or coloured glasses are not considered safe for viewing a solar eclipse.
Scientists say that solar eclipses should be observed only through international standard solar viewing glasses or approved solar filters. If observed through a telescope or camera, it is also necessary to apply special solar filters to them.
According to astronomers, such rare events not only generate interest in space science among the public but also provide important opportunities for studying the sun’s outer atmosphere, light propagation and other astronomical phenomena. For this reason, scientific institutions around the world view every total solar eclipse as an important opportunity for research and observation.
Although the citizens of Pakistan will not be able to see this scene directly this time, various international space agencies and astronomical organisations will make live broadcasts and images of this eclipse available worldwide, through which enthusiasts will be able to benefit from this unique astronomical event.