Solar Eclipse 2026: Amazing view of ‘Ring of Fire’, know whether the first solar eclipse of this year will be visible in India?

The first solar eclipse of the year 2026 will take place tomorrow i.e. on 17th February. Eclipse is considered a rare and important astronomical event. Which has scientific, astrological and religious importance. According to the Hindu calendar, the first solar eclipse of the year 2026 will occur on the new moon date of Krishna Paksha of Phalgun month. This solar eclipse will be annular in shape which is also called Ring of Fire.

During an annular solar eclipse, the Moon does not completely cover the Sun, due to which the Sun appears as a ring-shaped bright ring around the Sun. This is visible as a ring of fire. According to astrology, during the solar eclipse, the Sun will be in Saturn’s zodiac sign Aquarius, where Rahu is already present. In this way eclipse yoga will be formed in Aquarius. Let us know when, where and how the first solar eclipse of the year will be visible.

When will the first solar eclipse of the year occur?

• First solar eclipse of the year- 17 February 2026
• Start of solar eclipse – 3.26 pm
• Time of annular solar eclipse – 5.12 pm
• Peak time of solar eclipse – 5:42 pm
• End time of solar eclipse – 07:57 pm

Where will the solar eclipse be visible?

The first solar eclipse of the year will be annular. According to Indian time, this eclipse will start at around 3:26 pm and will end at around 7:57 pm. This eclipse will not be visible in India. The first solar eclipse of the year will be visible in annular form in Antarctica. Apart from this, this solar eclipse will be visible in the areas of South Africa, South America, Indian Ocean, Atlantic and Pacific.

What is the Sutak period of solar eclipse?

Religiously, the event of eclipse is given great importance. During a solar eclipse, Sutak period starts about 12 hours before the start of the eclipse. Sutak period is not considered an auspicious time. During this time, the doors of temples are closed and religious activities are banned. Solar eclipse will not be visible in India due to which its Sutak period will not be valid.

ring of fire

During an annular solar eclipse, the Sun, Moon and Earth come in a straight line. During this period, the Moon completely covers the central part of the Sun but is not able to cover the parts at the edges of the Sun. Because of this the Sun appears in the shape of a bright ring in the sky. This is called Ring of Fire.

This astronomical event occurs when the Moon is at its farthest distance from the Earth in its orbit. In such a situation, a situation of solar eclipse is created and the Sun is not able to hide completely. Due to greater distance the Moon appears smaller in size. Due to this, most of the central part of the Sun gets covered with darkness and a thin, bright circle of light is formed in the outer part of the Sun which looks like a ring.

Effect of solar eclipse on zodiac signs

The first solar eclipse of the year will take place in Aquarius. Let us tell you that on February 13, Sun has entered Aquarius, where Rahu is already in Aquarius and its shadow is falling on the Sun. In this way a situation of solar eclipse will be created. Apart from Sun, a combination of Rahu, Mercury, Moon and Venus will also be seen in Aquarius. The solar eclipse will not be visible in India, due to which its effect on all zodiac signs will be subtle.