Annular Solar Eclipse
Monday, 16 February 2026
🇮🇳 Visible from India
An annular eclipse occurs when the Moon is near apogee (its farthest point from Earth) and appears slightly smaller than the Sun. The Moon covers the central disc but leaves a bright ring of sunlight — the iconic "ring of fire" — around its silhouette. The sky does not darken as dramatically as in a total eclipse, and the corona remains invisible. Eye protection (ISO 12312-2 glasses) is required throughout — unlike totality, there is never a safe moment to look without protection.
IST Contact Times
| Phase | IST Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Greatest Eclipse (Mid) | 4:58 AM IST | Maximum eclipse magnitude reached |
| C1 — Partial Eclipse Begins | 3:33 AM IST | Moon's silhouette first touches Sun's disc |
| C2 — Central Phase Begins | 4:11 AM IST | Annular or total phase begins |
| Greatest Eclipse (Mid) | 4:58 AM IST | Maximum eclipse occurs |
| C3 — Central Phase Ends | 5:44 AM IST | Ring of fire / totality ends |
| C4 — Partial Eclipse Ends | 6:23 AM IST | Moon's silhouette leaves Sun's disc |
Eclipse magnitude 1.608 means the Moon's apparent diameter covers 161% of the Sun's diameter at greatest eclipse. Because magnitude exceeds 1.0, the Moon is large enough to cover the Sun completely — defining the central (total or annular) phase. The gamma value of -0.6395 describes how far the Moon's shadow axis passes from Earth's centre (in units of Earth's equatorial radius); lower absolute gamma means a more central, longer eclipse.
Use ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses or a properly filtered telescope throughout the entire eclipse — there is no safe moment to look without protection.
Grahan in Hindu Tradition
Surya Grahan (सूर्य ग्रहण)
A solar eclipse is called Surya Grahan. Sutak begins 12 hours before a solar eclipse. Temples are closed. It is traditional to avoid eating, sleep, or auspicious activities. A bath and prayer after the eclipse is recommended.
Visibility Note
Partial phases visible from parts of India. Always use ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses to view a solar eclipse safely — never look directly at the Sun.