Good news for stargazers in Pakistan, as the country is all set to witness the first solar eclipse of the year 2026.
This annular solar eclipse, popularly called a “Ring of Fire,” will see the Moon pass directly in front of the Sun. Since the Moon will be near its farthest point from Earth, it will appear slightly smaller, failing to fully cover the Sun and leaving a ring of sunlight visible around the lunar disk.
At the height of the event, the Sun will be covered by nearly 96%, creating a dramatic visual effect.
Visibility limited to these areas
The path of annularity, where the full Ring of Fire can be observed, crosses mainly over uninhabited areas of Antarctica, with the greatest eclipse occurring around 5:13 pm Pakistan Standard Time.
Partial phases of the eclipse will be visible in limited southern locations, including the southern tips of Argentina and Chile, as well as parts of southern Africa (such as South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and nearby islands).
Will it be visible in Pakistan?
This solar eclipse will not be visible from most parts of the world, including Asia and specifically Pakistan. No portion of the eclipse, annular or partial, will appear in Pakistani skies due to the eclipse’s southern trajectory.
How Viewers in Pakistan Can Experience the Event
Although direct viewing won’t be possible locally, enthusiasts across Pakistan can follow the eclipse in real time through online live streams. Reliable platforms like Time and Date are expected to broadcast the event, offering high-quality footage from locations within the visibility zone. This provides a safe and accessible way to witness the rare phenomenon without travel.
Only total Lunar eclipse of 2026 set for March 3
On the other hand, Blood Moon, a total Lunar eclipse, will occur on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, the western North America will be able to view the moon in its entirety.
It will be visible before dawn across the US. The eclipse will be shallow and turn the moon a reddish colour for 58 minutes before passing into the Earth’s central shadow. This will be the only total lunar eclipse of the year.
This will also be the last total lunar eclipse on Earth until December 31, 2028.
A total lunar eclipse is rare and occurs when the Earth moves directly between the moon and the sun, it causes the Earth’s shadow to engulf the moon.
Due to this the moon is gradually dimmed and its colour turns into a red glow. Lunar Eclipses are safe to view with naked eyes at all times.
This eclipse will be special as the totality phase will last for 58 minutes and 18 seconds. The eclipse might not be as great as some past eclipses but it will still be a very striking sight. The best views will be enjoyed by people living in the western regions of North America.
