The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has officially released the schedule of solar and lunar eclipses expected to occur in 2026.
According to the department, two solar and two lunar eclipses will take place during the year, though not all will be visible from Pakistan.
☀️ First Solar Eclipse — February 17, 2026
The first solar eclipse of 2026 is set to occur on February 17.
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Start Time: 3:00 PM (Pakistan Standard Time)
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Peak Time: Around 5:00 PM
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End Time: 7:30 PM
However, the eclipse will not be visible from Pakistan, as its path of visibility will primarily cover parts of North America and the Atlantic region.
🌕 First Lunar Eclipse — March 3, 2026
The first lunar eclipse of the year will occur on March 3 and will be partially visible in Pakistan.
Skywatchers in parts of Sindh, Punjab, and Balochistan may be able to observe a faint shadow crossing the Moon’s surface, depending on weather conditions.
☀️ Second Solar Eclipse — August 12–13, 2026
Another solar eclipse is expected between August 12 and 13, 2026.
Like the first one, this event will not be visible from Pakistan, as it will mainly be observable across Europe, North America, and the Arctic regions.
🌑 Second Lunar Eclipse — August 28, 2026
The second lunar eclipse of 2026 will take place on August 28. Unfortunately, this eclipse will also not be visible from Pakistan.
However, observers in South America, parts of Africa, and western Europe may catch a glimpse of this celestial event.
🪐 Bonus Discovery — NASA Finds a “Second Moon” Orbiting Earth
In related astronomical news, NASA and researchers from the University of Hawaii have discovered a second mini-moon orbiting alongside Earth.
The small celestial body, measuring 18 to 36 meters wide, has been following Earth’s orbit since the 1960s and is expected to continue doing so until around 2083.
Unlike the Moon, this quasi-moon doesn’t orbit Earth directly — it orbits the Sun, but stays synchronized with Earth’s path, maintaining a distance of about 4 million kilometers.
Scientists say its discovery offers new insights into Earth’s gravitational influence and the complex motion of near-Earth objects.
🌌 A Year of Astronomical Wonders Ahead
With two solar and two lunar eclipses on the way, 2026 promises to be a remarkable year for space enthusiasts.
Although not all events will be visible from Pakistan, the celestial calendar still offers plenty to look forward to — from rare eclipses to groundbreaking discoveries in space exploration.
