Skywatchers around the world will witness a rare solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, but people in Pakistan will not be able to observe the celestial event directly.
According to astronomers, the solar eclipse will not be visible from Pakistan because it will be nighttime in the country during the key phases of the eclipse.
According to Pakistan Standard Time (PST), the partial solar eclipse will begin at 8:34 p.m. on August 12, followed by the beginning of the total solar eclipse at 9:58 p.m. The eclipse will reach its maximum at 10:46 p.m., while the total eclipse will end at 11:34 p.m.
During the event, the Moon will pass between the Earth and the Sun, blocking sunlight either completely or partially and creating a spectacular celestial phenomenon.
The total solar eclipse will be visible in Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, and parts of Spain and Portugal. A partial solar eclipse will be visible across parts of North America, Canada, most of Europe, and northwestern Africa.
According to NASA, the eclipse will coincide with sunset in western parts of Europe and Africa, creating a unique spectacle in which the Sun will set while the eclipse is still in progress.
Although the eclipse will not be visible directly from Pakistan, Pakistani viewers will be able to watch the event online via a live stream by NASA, which will be available during the night of August 12 according to Pakistan time.
Astronomers have warned that people in areas where the eclipse is visible should never look directly at the Sun without certified solar viewing glasses, as doing so can cause serious and potentially permanent eye damage.
