Pakistan Eclipse Schedule Next Year
The Pakistan 2026 eclipse schedule has officially been released by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD). According to the announcement, four major celestial events will occur in 2026: two solar eclipses and two lunar eclipses. However, only one of these will be partially visible from Pakistan.
Eclipses have always fascinated people across the world, and 2026 will be another exciting year for sky watchers. Let’s take a closer look at the full schedule, visibility, and interesting facts about each eclipse.
What the Pakistan 2026 Eclipse Schedule Includes
According to the PMD, there will be two solar eclipses and two lunar eclipses during the year 2026.
- First Solar Eclipse: February 17, 2026
- First Lunar Eclipse: March 3, 2026
- Second Solar Eclipse: August 12–13, 2026
- Second Lunar Eclipse: August 28, 2026
Each of these events occurs when the Sun, Moon, and Earth align in a straight line. But not every eclipse is visible everywhere. Depending on the Earth’s position and the Moon’s shadow path, visibility varies from region to region.
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The March 3, 2026 Partial Lunar Eclipse – The Only One Visible in Pakistan
Out of all the eclipses in the Pakistan 2026 eclipse schedule, the one on March 3, 2026, will be the only event partially visible across parts of the country.
During this partial lunar eclipse, only a portion of the Moon will pass through the Earth’s shadow, giving it a darker appearance. The phenomenon will be visible in major cities such as Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Quetta, provided the sky remains clear.
Astronomers expect the event to start late at night and last for several hours. Although the exact local timings may differ slightly by city, the partial phase will be the highlight of the night. People can safely view this event with the naked eye or through binoculars.
The February 17, 2026 Solar Eclipse – Not Visible in Pakistan
The first solar eclipse of 2026 will occur on February 17. This will be an annular solar eclipse, during which the Moon will cover the center of the Sun, leaving a bright ring of fire around the edges.
Unfortunately, this spectacular sight will not be visible from Pakistan. It will mainly be observable in the northern parts of the Atlantic Ocean, Greenland, and parts of Europe. In Pakistan, the event will take place during the afternoon hours (approximately 3:00 PM to 7:30 PM local time), but the Sun will remain unaffected in our skies.
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August 12–13 Solar Eclipse – Also Not Visible in Pakistan
The second solar eclipse in the Pakistan 2026 eclipse schedule will occur on August 12 and 13. Like the February event, this one too will not be visible from Pakistan. It will be seen across North America, Europe, and parts of the Arctic region.
For Pakistanis, this means no direct viewing opportunity, but many intenational observatories will live-stream the eclipse online for space enthusiasts.
The August 28, 2026 Lunar Eclipse – Not Visible in South Asia
The second lunar eclipse of the year will happen on August 28, 2026. Sadly, this event will also not be visible from Pakistan or most parts of South Asia. It will mainly be observable in North America, the Pacific Ocean region, and parts of Australia.
Those who want to witness it can follow live broadcasts from NASA or international astronomy portals that often stream these rare events.
Why These Eclipses Happen – The Science Behind It
Astronomers explain that solar and lunar eclipses occur due to small shifts in the orbits of the Earth, Moon, and Sun.
- A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking sunlight for a few minutes.
- A lunar eclipse happens when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the Moon’s surface.
These celestial events not only attract sky watchers but also help scientists study the dynamics of our solar system more deeply.
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How to Watch the March 3 Eclipse Safely
The March 3 lunar eclipse is completely safe to watch with the naked eye because it involves no direct sunlight. However, to enjoy a clearer view, you can use binoculars or a small telescope.
If clouds block the sky, you can also watch the event online. Many international astronomy websites and YouTube channels will broadcast it live with expert commentary.
Why You Should Not Miss the 2026 Lunar Eclipse
Even though it’s only partially visible, the March 3, 2026 lunar eclipse will be a memorable experience for astronomy lovers in Pakistan. Lunar eclipses do not happen frequently, and each one offers a different visual pattern depending on the Earth’s shadow and the Moon’s position.
It’s a wonderful opportunity to capture beautiful photos, observe the night sky, and learn more about space phenomena right from your own backyard.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many eclipses will occur in 2026?
There will be a total of four eclipses, two solar and two lunar.
Which eclipse will be visible in Pakistan?
Only the March 3, 2026 partial lunar eclipse will be visible from parts of Pakistan.
Do I need special glasses to view the lunar eclipse?
No, lunar eclipses are safe to watch without eye protection. Solar eclipses, however, always require special eclipse glasses.
What is the next visible eclipse after 2026?
The next visible event after 2026 will depend on future celestial alignments, which the PMD updates annually.