Solar eclipses are one of those phenomena of the universe that feel no less than magical. When the Sun is engulfed in eclipse, for a short window, day slides into dusk, the temperature drops, birds go quiet, and the Sun’s ghostly outer atmosphere glows around a black disc.This year, one of those moments is on its way, and it comes with a few twists that make it even more special.The most awaited upcoming solar eclipse will take place in the upcoming months, but what is it and why is it named so?Let’s dig in to find out!
Representataive Image ( Photo: Canva)
What is a ‘sunset eclipse ‘
A sunset eclipse is simply a solar eclipse that happens low on the horizon as the Sun goes down. According to NASA, for many along the western part of the path, the Sun will set while still partially eclipsed, creating a sunset eclipse. In Spain, this will happen in the golden hour, when, according to BBC Sky at Night, the Sun sits low in the sky, and oncoming twilight could make for a mesmerising display. But on the Mediterranean waters, the view will mostly remain unobstructed at the horizon, so it will be among the most optimal places for catching a glimpse of the eclipse.
When and where to watch the rare sunset eclipse
This rare phenomenon will take place on August 12, 2026, when a total solar eclipse will sweep across several countries in the world.According to NASA, it will be visible across Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, the Atlantic, Spain, and a small corner of Portugal, and this type of rare eclipse will be visible in mainland Europe post 1999, ending a wait of more than 27 years. For Spain, the gap is even longer, with the last totality over the Iberian Peninsula occurring back in 1912.
How to watch the totality of the eclipse
According to NASA, most people in the path will get less than two minutes of totality, and even near the centre over Greenland, Russia, or the North Atlantic, where it stays under two and a half minutes.
Will the rare sunset eclipse be visible in India?
The sunset eclipse will, however, not be visible in India. The path of the phenomenon stays over the Arctic, the North Atlantic, and Europe, far from Indian skies.Although a few eclipse-calculation sites suggest a tiny partial eclipse, around 14 percent obscuration in the extreme northern parts of India, near Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir. But NASA’s visibility map does not flag India.
Tips to watch a solar eclipse safely
Do not look straight at the Sun, as even a thin ray of sunlight can damage the eyes.Use proper eclipse glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 standard, since regular sunglasses are not dark enough to look at the eclipse.If you do not have glasses, then try watching it indirectly with a simple pinhole projector and enjoy the show on a flat surface inste