Total Solar Eclipse
Wednesday, 18 March 2026
🇮🇳 Visible from India
During totality, the Moon perfectly covers the Sun's disc and the sky darkens to a deep twilight. The solar corona — visible only during a total eclipse — blazes as a pearly white halo of plasma stretching millions of kilometres. Stars and planets become visible, temperatures drop several degrees, and animals often behave as though night has fallen. Totality lasts from seconds to a maximum of about 7.5 minutes depending on your location along the central path. The dramatic "diamond ring" effect appears just before (second contact) and just after (third contact) totality.
IST Contact Times
| Phase | IST Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Greatest Eclipse (Mid) | 5:42 PM IST | Maximum eclipse magnitude reached |
| C1 — Partial Eclipse Begins | 4:14 PM IST | Moon's silhouette first touches Sun's disc |
| C2 — Central Phase Begins | 4:50 PM IST | Annular or total phase begins |
| Greatest Eclipse (Mid) | 5:42 PM IST | Maximum eclipse occurs |
| C3 — Central Phase Ends | 6:34 PM IST | Ring of fire / totality ends |
| C4 — Partial Eclipse Ends | 7:09 PM IST | Moon's silhouette leaves Sun's disc |
Eclipse magnitude 1.91 means the Moon's apparent diameter covers 191% 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 0.4964 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
Central eclipse path may cross India. Always use ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses to view a solar eclipse safely — never look directly at the Sun.