ISLAMABAD: Sky watchers across parts of Europe and the Arctic region are set to witness the first total solar eclipse of 2026 on August 12, when the Moon will completely obscure the Sun, briefly turning day into darkness along the eclipse’s path.
The total eclipse will be visible from parts of Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, Spain and Portugal, offering spectators a rare opportunity to experience one of nature’s most spectacular astronomical events.
Meanwhile, a partial solar eclipse will be visible across large areas of Europe, Africa, North America, the Atlantic Ocean, the Arctic and parts of the Pacific.
The eclipse will not be visible from Pakistan, India, China, Sri Lanka, Iran or Afghanistan, as it will occur after sunset in these countries.
According to Pakistan Standard Time (PST), the eclipse will begin at approximately 8:34 p.m., with totality expected around 9:58 p.m. along the regions where the total eclipse is visible.
A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun, completely blocking the Sun’s disk for observers located within the path of totality.
The event is regarded as one of the most remarkable celestial phenomena and attracts astronomers and enthusiasts from around the world.
Read also: Rare blue moon to be visible across Pakistan on Sunday
