No, the August 2 Solar Eclipse Is Not This Year — Here’s When It Really Happens

There’s been rising confusion on social media and some online platforms about a solar eclipse supposedly taking place on August 2. Many are wondering: is this Surya Grahan actually happening in 2025 or in 2027? The buzz is understandable — the eclipse in question will be partially visible from several parts of India, which naturally fuels curiosity. However, let’s set the record straight: the solar eclipse being talked about is not in 2025, but on August 2, 2027 — two years from now.

The August 2, 2027 event will be a total solar eclipse globally, but in India, it will only be partially visible. This has led to some misleading reporting suggesting an imminent eclipse in August 2025, which is not the case. The actual date to mark on your calendar is Monday, August 2, 2027, with the partial eclipse visible in many Indian cities between 3:34 PM and 5:53 PM IST, depending on location.

Eclipse Timing Across Indian States

The partial eclipse will begin as early as 3:34 PM IST in Gujarat and end as late as 5:53 PM IST in Lakshadweep. However, no part of India will witness the totality of this eclipse.

For example:

• In Delhi, the eclipse will begin at 3:52 PM and end by 5:03 PM.
• In Mumbai, it will be visible from 3:47 PM to 5:31 PM, with a maximum obscuration of 32.32%.
• Bengaluru will experience about 39.07% obscuration, starting at 3:59 PM and ending by 5:43 PM.
• Eastern cities like Kolkata and Guwahati will see very limited visibility, with obscuration of around 6% to 10%.

Eclipse Visibility in Major Indian Cities (Obscuration %)

• Ahmedabad: 23.88% (3:44 PM to 5:22 PM)
• Hyderabad: 26.86% (3:58 PM to 5:33 PM)
• Jaipur: 12.33% (3:50 PM to 5:09 PM)
• New Delhi: 8.23% (3:53 PM to 5:03 PM)
• Kolkata: 6.05% (4:14 PM to 5:12 PM)

Most locations will have cloud cover exceeding 90%, especially in metros like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Kolkata — which might limit visibility depending on weather conditions.

Why the Confusion?

Part of the misinformation may stem from the fact that there is a partial solar eclipse on September 21, 2025, but that event will not be visible from India. Hence, some people may be mistakenly connecting the upcoming date with the more prominent 2027 eclipse, which will be visible locally.

Upcoming Solar Eclipses to Note

If you are an eclipse enthusiast or just want to be prepared, here are the next major solar eclipses relevant to India:

• 21 Sep 2025 – Partial Solar Eclipse (not visible from India)
• 17 Feb 2026 – Annular Solar Eclipse
• 12 Aug 2026 – Total Solar Eclipse
• 6 Feb 2027 – Annular Solar Eclipse
• 2 Aug 2027 – Total Solar Eclipse (partially visible in India)

The much-talked-about August 2 solar eclipse is not happening in 2025, but in 2027. While it will be a total eclipse globally, India will witness only a partial eclipse, best visible from southern and western parts of the country during the late afternoon hours. Avoid falling for misinformation — and save the date for 2027 if you are keen to witness this celestial event.