ISLAMABAD: Skywatchers around the world are preparing to witness a rare total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, but the celestial event will not be visible from Pakistan.
The solar eclipse would take place during the night time in Pakistan, thus preventing Pakistan from experiencing its major stages.
As per the timing, the partial eclipse would start at 8:34 pm Pakistan Standard Time and the total eclipse at 9:58 pm, and the maximum stage of the eclipse would occur at 10:46 pm before the end of the total eclipse at 11:34 pm.
The total solar eclipse would occur when the Moon gets positioned between the Earth and the Sun and blocks the sunlight from reaching the Earth. The total solar eclipse would be visible in Greenland, Iceland, Northern Russia, Spain, and Portugal.
However, partial solar eclipse would be visible in various parts of North America, Canada, Europe, and Northwestern Africa.
According to NASA, the sunset would also occur during the eclipse in various parts of Europe and western Africa.
The NASA space agency will also stream the astronomical event live on the internet, ensuring that people residing in Pakistan and other places from where the eclipse will not be visible can watch it live on the internet.
Astronomers have cautioned people who will be witnessing the eclipse that it should not be viewed directly with the naked eye as it may lead to permanent eye damage.
