India, May 21 -- The year 2026 features two distinct solar eclipses, headlined by a highly anticipated Total Solar Eclipse on Wednesday, 12 August 2026, which marks mainland Europe's first total solar eclipse since 1999. Earlier in the year, a rare Annular Solar Eclipse (often called a "Ring of Fire") occurred on 17 February 2026.

What is a Total Solar Eclipse?

A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. People located in the centre of the Moon's shadow when it hits Earth will experience a total eclipse. The sky will darken, as if it were dawn or dusk.

A total solar eclipse is the only type of solar eclipse where viewers can momentarily remove their eclipse glass...