Astronomy
Solar & Lunar Eclipses
Upcoming eclipses for the next 2 years, computed via astronomy-engine. Includes eclipse type, peak time in IST, peak coordinates, obscuration, and phase durations. Sutak period guidance for Vedic observers included.
Next Solar Eclipse
total
12 Aug 2026
Next Lunar Eclipse
partial
28 Aug 2026
Solar (next 2 yrs)
6
eclipses
Lunar (next 2 yrs)
6
eclipses
☀️ Upcoming Solar Eclipses
Solar eclipses occur at New Moon when the Moon passes between Earth and Sun, casting a shadow on Earth. The next 6 solar eclipses (visible somewhere on Earth) are listed below.
🌙 Upcoming Lunar Eclipses
Lunar eclipses occur at Full Moon when the Moon passes through Earth's shadow. Visible from anywhere on the night side of Earth. The next 6 lunar eclipses are listed below.
Eclipse Types Explained
Total
Sun/Moon fully obscured. For solar: Moon completely covers the Sun's disc, revealing the corona. For lunar: Moon fully enters Earth's umbra, turning deep red ('blood moon').
Annular
Solar only — Moon is too far from Earth (near apogee) to fully cover the Sun, leaving a bright ring ('ring of fire') visible around the Moon's silhouette.
Partial
Only a portion of the Sun/Moon is obscured. For solar: Moon covers only part of the Sun's disc. For lunar: only part of the Moon enters Earth's umbra.
Penumbral
Lunar only — Moon passes through Earth's penumbra (outer shadow). The dimming is subtle and often not visible to the naked eye.
Sutak Period (सूतक)
In Vedic tradition, a Sutak (अशौच) period is observed before every eclipse — a time considered inauspicious for starting new activities, eating, cooking, worship, or signing documents. Sutak begins 4 praharas (12 hours) before a solar eclipse and 3 praharas (9 hours) before a lunar eclipse. The Sutak ends only after the eclipse has fully concluded and the affected deity (Sun or Moon) has been ritually bathed (स्नान).
During Sutak, temples are closed, deities are not worshipped, and cooked food is avoided. Many households place a tulsi leaf on stored food to keep it pure. After the eclipse, devotees take a holy bath (गंगा स्नान or regular bath), clean the house, change clothes, and only then resume normal activities. Pregnant women are traditionally advised to stay indoors and avoid using sharp objects during an eclipse.
Note: Sutak applies only to eclipses that are visible at the observer's location. For eclipses not visible from India, no Sutak is observed in Indian tradition. The visibility maps and peak coordinates above can help determine if an eclipse will be visible from your city.
Viewing Safety
Solar eclipses: Never look at the Sun directly, even during totality outside the few minutes of complete coverage. Use ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses, or project the Sun's image through a pinhole camera. Sunglasses, exposed film, smoked glass, and CDs are not safe — they transmit dangerous infrared radiation that can permanently damage the retina without any pain.
Lunar eclipses: Completely safe to view with the naked eye. Binoculars or a small telescope enhance the view of the Moon's reddish color during totality. No special equipment is needed — lunar eclipses are one of the few astronomical events that anyone can observe safely.