Skywatchers around the world are preparing to witness a rare total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, but people in Pakistan will not be able to see the celestial event directly.
The eclipse will not be visible from Pakistan because its key phases will occur during nighttime in the country.
According to the timings in Pakistan Standard Time (PST), the partial eclipse will begin at 8:34pm on August 12, followed by the start of the total eclipse at 9:58pm. The eclipse will reach its peak at 10:46pm, while the total phase will end at 11:34pm.
Where will the solar eclipse be visible?
During the eclipse, the Moon will pass between the Earth and the Sun, temporarily blocking the Sun’s light.
A total solar eclipse will be visible along parts of the path crossing Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, Spain and Portugal.
A partial solar eclipse will be visible across large parts of North America, Canada, Europe and northwestern Africa.
NASA has said that in parts of western Europe and Africa, the Sun will set during the eclipse, creating a rare spectacle in which the eclipse coincides with sunset.
How can people in Pakistan watch it?
Although the eclipse will not be visible from Pakistan, skywatchers can watch the event online through NASA’s live coverage. The livestream will be available on the night of August 12 according to Pakistani time.
Astronomers have also warned people in areas where the eclipse is visible not to look directly at the Sun without certified solar viewing glasses, as doing so can cause serious and potentially permanent eye damage.
For people in Pakistan, the safest way to experience the event will therefore be through an official online livestream rather than attempting to view the Sun directly.