The second and final solar eclipse of 2026 will occur on Wednesday, August 12, with the celestial event beginning at 9:04 PM IST. The eclipse will continue into the early hours of August 13, reaching its peak at 11:16 PMand ending at 1:27 AM. 

The August 12 eclipse is a total solar eclipse, meaning the Moon will completely cover the Sun along the narrow path of totality. However, skywatchers in India will not be able to see the eclipse because it will occur below the Indian horizon during the relevant period. 

Solar Eclipse Timing in India

According to the timings reported for the event, the eclipse will begin at 9:04 PM on August 12 according to Indian Standard Time.

The key timings are:

• Eclipse begins: 9:04 PM, August 12

• Peak of eclipse: 11:16 PM, August 12

• Eclipse ends: 1:27 AM, August 13

• Total duration: Around 4 hours 23 minutes

The global astronomical timings place the beginning of the partial eclipse at around 15:34 UTC, with the maximum eclipse occurring at approximately 17:46 UTC. (Time and Date)

Will India See the Eclipse?

No. The August 12 solar eclipse will not be visible from India.

The eclipse's visibility path is concentrated across parts of the Arctic region, Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, Spain and Portugal, while a partial eclipse will be visible from much of Europe and parts of North America and northwestern Africa. 

Since the Sun will not be above the horizon in India during the relevant phase, people across Indian cities will not be able to observe the phenomenon directly.

Why Is This Eclipse Special?

The August 12 event is significant because it is a total solar eclipse, one of the most striking astronomical events visible from Earth.

During totality, the Moon moves directly between the Earth and Sun and completely blocks the Sun's bright disk for observers located within the path of totality. This can cause daytime darkness for a short period and make the solar corona visible.

NASA has also announced coverage of the eclipse for people outside the visibility path. Its official broadcast is scheduled to begin on August 12, allowing viewers worldwide to follow the event remotely. 

Eclipse and Religious Beliefs in India

The eclipse coincides with Hariyali Amavasya, the new moon day observed during the Shravan month. This has also generated interest from a religious and astrology perspective.

According to reports based on traditional Hindu practices, because the eclipse will not be visible in India, Sutak Kaal is not considered applicable in India for this particular event. 

The scientific phenomenon and religious interpretations are separate matters. The eclipse itself is caused by the Moon passing between the Earth and the Sun, while Sutak-related practices are based on traditional religious beliefs.

Where Can the Eclipse Be Watched?

The total phase will be visible along a relatively narrow path. Spain is expected to be among the major locations offering a prominent view, while Iceland and Greenland will also fall within the broader path of totality. Parts of Europe will experience a partial eclipse. 

For people in India, the safest option is to watch an official livestream rather than attempting to observe the Sun directly.

Safety Precautions

Anyone observing a solar eclipse from a location where it is visible should never look directly at the Sun without proper solar viewing protection. Ordinary sunglasses are not sufficient to protect the eyes.

The Royal Museums Greenwich advises using certified eclipse glasses, a properly filtered solar telescope or safe projection methods.

For Indian viewers, who will not see the eclipse locally, an official online broadcast is the simplest way to follow the event.

The August 12 solar eclipse will therefore be a major astronomical spectacle for observers in its visibility zone, while in India the event will remain invisible despite occurring during the night in Indian Standard Time.

August 12 Marks Busiest Day on Astronomy Calendar

August 12, 2026 will be one of the busiest dates on the astronomy calendar, featuring a total solar eclipse, a rare six-planet alignment and the peak of the Perseid meteor shower all occurring within a short span. Skywatchers around the world will have multiple celestial events to observe, making this an extraordinary day for astronomy enthusiasts.

Six-Planet Alignment Before Sunrise

Before sunrise on August 12, six planets are expected to appear across the morning sky. Mercury, Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune will align in a rare planetary parade. This alignment offers a spectacular viewing opportunity for early risers. The planets will stretch across the sky in a visible arc, creating what astronomers call a planetary alignment.

Perseid Meteor Shower Peak

August 12 also marks the peak of the Perseid meteor shower, one of the most popular annual meteor showers. The Perseids are known for their bright, fast meteors and frequent fireballs. During peak hours, observers can expect to see up to 60-100 meteors per hour under dark sky conditions. The New Moon on this date means darker skies, providing optimal viewing conditions for meteor watching.

Total Solar Eclipse

The total solar eclipse on August 12 will be visible across parts of the Northern Hemisphere, including Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. While not visible from India, the eclipse remains a significant astronomical event. NASA will provide a livestream for those outside the path of totality.

Viewing Conditions in India

For Indian skywatchers, the pre-dawn hours offer the best viewing opportunities. The six-planet alignment can be observed before sunrise, while the Perseid meteor shower will be visible throughout the night. The New Moon on August 12 means darker skies, making both planetary and meteor observations more favourable.

Astronomical Significance of the Alignment

Planetary alignments occur when multiple planets appear to cluster in the same region of the sky from Earth's perspective. While not uncommon in isolation, the combination of a six-planet alignment occurring simultaneously with a solar eclipse and meteor shower peak makes August 12, 2026 particularly noteworthy.

How to Watch in India

Indian skywatchers are advised to find dark locations away from city lights for optimal meteor shower viewing. For the planetary alignment, an unobstructed view of the eastern horizon before sunrise is recommended. NASA's online livestream will also be available for those wishing to view the solar eclipse.

Scientific and Public Interest

These celestial events have generated significant public interest, with astronomy clubs and science organisations planning viewing events. The convergence of multiple astronomical phenomena on a single date is rare, making August 12, 2026 a memorable day for skywatchers worldwide.

 China’s Long March 7A rocket exploded about 85 seconds after liftoff on Monday night, destroying the ChinaSat 4B communications satellite it was carrying and prompting an investigation into the cause of the launch failure.

The rocket lifted off from the Wenchang Space Launch Site on Hainan Island at 8:02 pm Beijing time. The failure occurred during the early phase of ascent, before the rocket could separate its main stage from its four strap-on boosters.

Video footage from the launch showed the rocket rising normally before a bright flash appeared, followed by a cloud of debris in the sky.

ChinaSat 4B Lost in Failure

The Long March 7A was carrying ChinaSat 4B, also known as Zhongxing-4B, a high-capacity communications satellite developed by the China Academy of Space Technology.

The satellite was operated by China Satellite Communications and was designed to provide voice, data, radio and television broadcasting services. Its planned capabilities also included communications connectivity for remote areas.

Astronomer Jonathan McDowell said the failure occurred at a relatively low altitude and velocity. As a result, the spacecraft and associated debris did not reach Earth orbit.

The loss of the satellite represents a setback for China's commercial and communications satellite deployment programme.

Second Long March 7A Failure

The incident marks the second known failure of the Long March 7A since the rocket made its debut in March 2020.

Developed by the state-owned China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, the liquid-fuelled Long March 7A is designed to carry payloads of up to approximately seven tonnes to geostationary transfer orbit.

The rocket had maintained a relatively strong operational record after returning to service in 2021. Its recent missions included the launch of the Tianlian-3 data relay satellite in July.

The latest failure could therefore lead to additional scrutiny of the rocket's propulsion and flight-control systems.

China Launches Investigation

China's state-run Xinhua news agency reported that authorities have begun an investigation into the failed mission.

Engineers are expected to examine telemetry, flight data and other information collected during the launch to establish what caused the rocket to break apart.

The exact cause of the failure has not yet been publicly established.

Investigators will likely focus on the sequence of events during the first 85 seconds of flight, including the performance of the rocket's engines, propulsion systems, guidance systems and structural components.

Could Tiangong Missions Face Delays?

The failure could have implications beyond the ChinaSat 4B mission because the Long March 7A shares important propulsion technology with China's standard Long March 7 rocket.

The Long March 7 is used to launch Tianzhou cargo spacecraft, which transport supplies and equipment to China's Tiangong space station.

If investigators determine that the failure was linked to a component or technology shared between the two rocket variants, engineers may need to conduct additional checks before future missions.

Such inspections could potentially affect the schedule of upcoming cargo launches to Tiangong.

However, any impact on future missions will depend on the findings of the investigation and whether the problem is determined to be specific to the Long March 7A or involves a wider system.

Setback for China’s Space Programme

China has rapidly expanded its space programme in recent years, carrying out a growing number of crewed, cargo and satellite missions.

The Long March family remains central to these activities, making launch reliability a key priority for the country's space agency and aerospace industry.

The latest incident is unlikely to alter China's broader space ambitions, but the investigation will be closely watched for indications of whether technical changes or additional checks are required across related rocket systems.

For now, authorities are focused on identifying the cause of the failure and determining whether corrective measures are necessary before the Long March 7A returns to flight.

NASA has announced the Artemis III crew, but the mission will no longer attempt a Moon landing. Instead, astronauts will conduct critical spacecraft and lunar lander tests in low Earth orbit.

NASA has unveiled the crew for its next major Artemis mission, but a significant change in plans means the astronauts will not be heading to the lunar surface as originally envisioned.

The US space agency announced that Artemis III, once expected to become the first crewed Moon landing mission since Apollo 17 in 1972, will now remain in low Earth orbit as NASA works through technical challenges linked to future lunar operations.

Veteran astronaut Randy Bresnik will command the mission, while Italian astronaut Luca Parmitano has been selected as pilot. NASA astronauts Andre Douglas and Frank Rubio will serve as mission specialists. Bob Heintz has been named as the backup crew member and can step into any role if required.

Mission Profile Changed

NASA revised the Artemis III mission plan earlier this year after determining that key technologies required for a crewed lunar landing were not yet ready. The agency concluded that proceeding with a lunar surface mission would lead to further delays in the broader Artemis programme.

Instead of travelling to the Moon, the four-member crew will fly aboard the Orion spacecraft and operate in low Earth orbit. The mission is expected to launch from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida aboard NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, though an official launch date has not been announced.

According to NASA, Orion will orbit roughly 290 miles above Earth, slightly higher than the International Space Station. During the mission, astronauts will rendezvous and dock with prototype lunar landers that are being developed for future Moon expeditions.

Testing Future Lunar Systems

The revised Artemis III mission will act as a crucial rehearsal for future lunar landings. Astronauts will test docking procedures, evaluate life-support interfaces and assess systems that will eventually support human operations on the Moon.

At least one crew member is expected to enter a prototype lunar lander during the mission to inspect hatches, connections and operational equipment.

The flight will also provide an opportunity to test the new lunar spacesuits developed by Axiom Space in partnership with Italian luxury fashion house Prada. The suits are designed for future Moon surface operations and include advanced cooling and life-support systems intended to support long-duration spacewalks.

NASA engineers will additionally evaluate upgrades to Orion’s heat shield during the spacecraft’s return to Earth.

Why the Moon Landing Was Deferred

The primary reason for the change is the delayed readiness of SpaceX’s Starship lunar lander, a key element of NASA’s lunar architecture.

The Artemis programme relies on Starship to transport astronauts from lunar orbit to the Moon’s surface. However, several milestones remain incomplete, including the demonstration of in-orbit refuelling technology, which is considered essential for the mission.

A US Government Accountability Office report issued earlier this year noted limited progress in the development of the refuelling system. Rather than postpone Artemis III indefinitely, NASA opted to transform the mission into a full-scale orbital test flight.

Artemis IV in Focus

NASA now hopes Artemis IV, currently targeted for 2028, will become the first crewed lunar landing of the modern era.

The mission is expected to send astronauts to the Moon’s south polar region, where scientists believe frozen water deposits may exist within permanently shadowed craters. These resources could eventually support long-term human presence by providing water, oxygen and potentially rocket fuel.

The Artemis programme forms part of NASA’s broader strategy to establish a sustainable lunar presence and use the Moon as a stepping stone for future missions to Mars.

Competition and Challenges

Despite progress made through Artemis II, which successfully carried astronauts around the Moon in April 2026, significant technical hurdles remain.

Questions persist over the readiness of lunar landers, refuelling infrastructure and supporting launch systems. Industry setbacks, including delays affecting commercial partners, have added to concerns about the programme’s timeline.

At the same time, global competition in lunar exploration is intensifying. China has stated its intention to land astronauts on the Moon before 2030, while India has outlined plans for a crewed lunar mission around 2040 following the success of Chandrayaan-3.

For NASA, Artemis III may no longer deliver a historic Moon landing, but officials believe the mission will play a critical role in ensuring future lunar expeditions can be carried out safely and successfully.

The year's smallest full moon coincides with May's second full moon — a rare astronomical pairing visible to the naked eye across India tonight.

Skywatchers across the country have a rare treat waiting for them tonight. The night of May 31 brings together two distinct celestial phenomena — the so-called Blue Moon and a Micromoon — occurring simultaneously, an event that astronomers describe as genuinely uncommon.

What exactly is happening tonight

A Blue Moon, in the popular modern definition, refers to a second full moon falling within the same calendar month. May opened with a full moon on the 1st, and tonight's full moon on the 31st becomes the month's second. Despite the evocative name, the moon will not appear blue — the term is purely calendrical.

At the same time, the moon will be at or near its apogee — the farthest point in its elliptical orbit around Earth, roughly 4.06 lakh kilometres away. This makes it a Micromoon: visibly smaller and somewhat dimmer than a typical full moon, appearing around 5 to 7 percent smaller and about 10 percent less luminous.

A rare pairing, explained

National Award-winning science communicator Sarika Gharu, based in Bhopal, said the convergence of a monthly Blue Moon and a Micromoon is considered a particularly infrequent occurrence. "Both phenomena individually are not especially unusual, but having them align on the same night takes considerably longer to repeat," she noted.

The moon will be positioned in the constellation Scorpius tonight, placing it near Antares — one of the brightest and most distinctly red stars in the night sky. That pairing will be visible to the naked eye through most of the night, without any optical aid required. Because of its position in Scorpius, some observers are calling tonight's full moon a "Scorpio Blue Moon."

Hindu calendar significance

According to the Hindu Panchang, tonight corresponds to the Jyestha Purnima of Adhik Maas — an intercalary month added periodically to align the lunar and solar calendars. The full moon occurs with the moon in Vrischik Rashi, lending additional significance for those following traditional almanac timings.

When to watch

The full moon rises in the east around sunset and will be visible throughout the night. No telescope or binoculars are needed to observe either the Antares conjunction or the moon's slightly smaller disk. Clear skies permitting, central Indian cities including Bhopal, Indore, and Nagpur should have excellent viewing conditions from open ground or rooftops after 8 pm local time.

The next Blue Moons

For those who miss tonight's event, the next opportunities are May 20, 2027 (a seasonal Blue Moon), December 31, 2028 (a monthly Blue Moon coinciding with a total lunar eclipse), and August 24, 2029 (another seasonal Blue Moon).

Worth stepping outside for

While the visual difference between a Micromoon and a regular full moon is subtle enough that most casual observers would not notice without a reference point, the rarity of tonight's combined event makes it a genuine occasion for astronomy enthusiasts. The next time a monthly Blue Moon and a Micromoon fall on the same night is not expected for several years.

Initial reports from amateur astronomy groups indicate organised viewing sessions are being planned in several cities, with some schools and science clubs setting up open-sky events through the evening.

Artemis II Breaks Apollo Record Near Moon

NASA astronauts reach 6,545 km from lunar surface, shattering 56-year-old distance mark from Earth in latest space milestone.

Record Shattered

NASA's Artemis II mission made history as its four astronauts broke Apollo 13's 1970 record for farthest distance from Earth. On April 6 (US time), equivalent to early April 7 IST, the crew reached 406,771 km from home, surpassing the old mark of 402,336 km.

The Orion spacecraft then approached within 6,545 km of the Moon—the closest any human-crewed vessel has flown to the lunar surface.

Mission Timeline

Launched on April 2 from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, Artemis II marks the first human deep-space trip since Apollo 17 in 1972. The crew crossed into the Moon's gravitational zone, observed key sites, and began the return leg.

Key events unfolded per this schedule (EST to IST conversion):

• Apollo record broken: 1:56 PM EST (12:26 AM IST, April 7)

• Closest Moon approach: 7:02 PM EST (5:32 AM IST)

• Re-contact with Earth: 7:25 PM EST (5:55 AM IST)

Splashdown awaits in the Pacific near San Diego on April 10 (US time), or April 11 early morning IST.

Astronaut Profiles

Commander Reid Wiseman (50), a former US Navy pilot, leads the team alongside pilot Victor Glover (49), the first Black astronaut to near the Moon. Mission specialists include Christina Koch (47), record-holder for longest female space stint, and Canadian Jeremy Hansen (50), the first non-American on this path.

Hansen carries maple syrup; Glover, a Bible and rings. Sources say the crew conversed with former US President Donald Trump during the flyby.

Lunar Observations

Astronauts photographed 30 targets, including the vast Oriental Basin crater—formed 3.8 billion years ago—and Hertzsprung Basin to study surface evolution. They viewed the Moon's far side, unseen by human eyes before except via probes.

The spacecraft lost contact briefly during closest approach, standard for such maneuvers, before reconnecting.

Slingshot Return

Exiting lunar gravity, Orion uses a 'slingshot' effect—mirroring Apollo 13—for the 1.1 million km round trip back to Earth. NASA officials confirmed all systems nominal.

The mission tests the life support system for future lunar stays, paving way for Artemis III's landing.

NASA Goals

Unlike Apollo's Cold War space race focus, Artemis aims for sustainable Moon presence. Officials stress it builds skills for Mars missions and a permanent lunar base.

As per NASA reports, this validates Orion beyond low-Earth orbit, ensuring crew safety in deep space.

Historic Firsts

Koch becomes the first woman to near the Moon; Glover, the first Black man. Only 24 humans— all Apollo astronauts—have ventured this far before. Artemis II proves international collaboration works, with Canada's CSA aboard.

Future Path

Post-splashdown, a Houston press conference will detail findings. Artemis III eyes a 2027 lunar landing. Challenges like radiation and life support persist, but this success boosts NASA's timeline.

NASA's Artemis II Launch Marks Moon Return After 52 Years

Historic crewed mission sends four astronauts on lunar flyby from Kennedy Space Center, testing deep-space tech for future landings.

Launch Details Emerge

NASA launched Artemis II early Thursday, sending four astronauts skyward aboard the Orion spacecraft. Liftoff occurred at 3:54 AM IST from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This marks the first crewed US mission beyond low-Earth orbit since Apollo 17 in 1972.

The Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, NASA's most powerful ever, propelled the crew into space. Sources at NASA confirmed a flawless ascent, with the Orion separating successfully minutes after launch.

Crew Profiles Highlight Diversity

Commander Reid Wiseman leads the team, joined by pilot Victor Glover, mission specialist Christina Koch, and Canadian Jeremy Hansen. Koch becomes the first woman, and Hansen the first non-American, to venture near the Moon.

Astronauts underwent rigorous training for this 10-day journey. They will orbit Earth briefly before heading lunar-ward, covering thousands of kilometres beyond the Moon on a free-return trajectory.

Mission Tests Critical Systems

Artemis II skips a lunar landing, focusing instead on deep-space trials. Engineers aim to validate Orion's life support, radiation shielding, navigation, and high-speed re-entry at 40,000 km/h.

The capsule's heat shield faces 2,800°C temperatures upon return, splashing down in the Pacific around April 10. Officials stress this "dress rehearsal" paves the way for Artemis III's planned landing.

Trump's Statement Boosts Hype

US President Donald Trump hailed the launch on Truth Social. "We are winning in space, on Earth, and everywhere in between—economically, militarily, and now beyond the stars," he posted.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson echoed the sentiment earlier. "Artemis II proves America's back in the deep space game," he said during pre-launch briefings, per agency reports.

India Watches with Pride

The launch resonates in India, where ISRO eyes similar lunar ambitions. Chandrayaan-3's south pole success last year fuels excitement. Space enthusiasts here track Artemis as a benchmark for global cooperation.

Social media buzzes with ArtemisII trends, blending national pride with Latest News Today from the US. Indian experts note shared tech lessons for Gaganyaan.

Broader Space Race Context

Artemis revives NASA's Moon push amid China’s Tiangong station and private players like SpaceX. The program eyes a lunar Gateway station and Mars prep. Previous uncrewed Artemis I in 2022 nailed key tests.

Budget debates persist in Washington, but Congress approved SLS funding. Critics question costs, yet backers cite jobs and innovation spillovers.

Global Impacts Unfold

Success here accelerates international pacts, including Canada's role via Hansen. It inspires STEM in developing nations like India, where space jobs surge.

Public interest stories like this dominate National and International News feeds. Trending News India mixes local polls with such feats.

What's Ahead for Artemis

Artemis III targets a 2027 landing near the lunar south pole. Delays loom from heat shield tweaks and Starship integration.

NASA promises live updates via its portal. For now, ground teams monitor the crew's Earth orbit checks. This mission cements Artemis II launch as a pivotal India News Update in space history.