Total Solar Eclipse 2026: When Is Surya Grahan Today, August 12? India Time and Live Streaming Details
A total solar eclipse occurs today, August 12, across parts of the Northern Hemisphere, including Spain and Iceland. The event is not visible in India, as it occurs during local nighttime hours; therefore, no Sutak restrictions apply. Enthusiasts in India can watch the phenomenon via official NASA and global space agency live streams.
A rare and major astronomical event takes place today as a total solar eclipse sweeps across parts of the Northern Hemisphere on Wednesday, August 12. While millions of skywatchers across mainland Europe, Iceland, Greenland, and parts of northwestern Africa prepare to witness the celestial phenomenon, observers in India will miss out on the physical sight as the event occurs entirely during nighttime hours locally.
Surya Grahan 2026 Date and India Timings
The total solar eclipse begins on the night of August 12 and concludes during the early hours of August 13. According to global astronomical tracking, the progression of the eclipse aligns with the following Indian Standard Time (IST) windows:
- Partial Solar Eclipse Begins: 9:04 PM IST on August 12
- Total Solar Eclipse (Totality) Begins: 10:28 PM IST on August 12
- Maximum Eclipse (Peak): 11:16 PM IST on August 12
- Total Solar Eclipse Ends: 12:04 AM IST on August 13
- Partial Solar Eclipse Ends: 1:28 AM IST on August 13
Note: These timestamps reflect when the various stages occur globally rather than local viewing times for India. Total Solar Eclipse 2026: Date, India Time and How To Watch NASA Live Streaming.
Visibility in India and Sutak Rules
The August 12 solar eclipse will not be visible in India, as the sun will be well below the horizon during the nighttime hours in the Indian subcontinent.
Because the eclipse is not visible locally, traditional cultural restrictions do not apply:
- Sutak Kaal: The traditional Sutak purification or observance period is not applicable in India for this eclipse.
- Routine Activities: Citizens can proceed with normal daily schedules, including regular meal times, travel, and religious worship, without temple closures or fasting restrictions.
Path of Totality Across the Globe
For regions experiencing the path of totality, the Moon will completely obscure the Sun for up to two minutes and 18 seconds, briefly plunging daytime regions into darkness and revealing the solar corona. According to NASA and international space agencies, the path of totality crosses:
- Northern Russia
- Spain
- Iceland
- Greenland
- Parts of the North Atlantic Ocean
- A small corner of northeastern Portugal
A wider partial solar eclipse will also be visible across parts of western Europe, northwestern Africa, and portions of North America. August 12 Skywatching: Six-Planet Alignment, Solar Eclipse, New Moon and Perseid Meteor Shower on Same Day.
Total Solar Eclipse 2026 Live Streaming by NASA
How To Watch the Total Solar Eclipse Live Streaming From India
Because the solar eclipse occurs during the night in India, local enthusiasts can follow the celestial event through digital broadcasts. Space agencies, including NASA, alongside major scientific platforms and observatories, are providing official live streams and real-time coverage of the eclipse as it progresses across the Northern Hemisphere.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 12, 2026 08:04 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).