Two Solar Eclipses Occur in 2026, Indonesia Has the Opportunity to See Partial Phases

JAKARTA - 2026 is in the spotlight for sky watchers and the Indonesian people because one of the most amazing natural phenomena - a solar eclipse - can still be witnessed from Indonesian territory, albeit in a different form from the totality line.

A solar eclipse is one of the rare astronomical phenomena that occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, so that the Sun's light is partially or completely covered from the observer's point of view on Earth.

Observers from around the world are also looking forward to two important events in 2026: a ring solar eclipse on February 17 and a total solar eclipse on August 12.

Ring Solar Eclipse - February 17, 2026 The first event this year is a ring solar eclipse (annular eclipse) which will occur on February 17, 2026. In this eclipse, the Moon does not completely cover the Sun's disk because it is slightly further from the Earth, resulting in a stunning "ring of fire" effect.

The main path of this annular eclipse will cross the Antarctic region, but in some other regions of the world this phenomenon appears as a partial solar eclipse. For observers in Indonesia, the solar eclipse on February 17 has the opportunity to be seen as a partial eclipse, depending on the geographical position and local weather conditions.

During this partial eclipse, part of the Sun's disk will appear "bitten" by the Moon, creating a change in light that can be enjoyed during the day. To watch it safely, the public must use eclipse glasses or special sun filters - looking directly at the Sun without protection can cause permanent eye damage.

Total Solar Eclipse - August 12, 2026 The second awaited event is a total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026. In a total eclipse, the Moon completely covers the Sun for observers who are on the path of totality, creating a brief dark afternoon atmosphere and showing the Sun's corona.

Unfortunately, the totality path of the August 12 eclipse does not cross Indonesia. The path is located in the northern hemisphere of the Earth, including areas such as Greenland, western Iceland, and northern Spain. In parts of northern Canada and western North America, the partial eclipse phase can still be witnessed.

However, for the people of Indonesia, the total eclipse can still be followed through live broadcasts, streaming broadcasts, and digital simulations that will be broadcast by astronomical institutions, observatories, and science communities in and outside the country.

Solar Eclipse: What Can Be Seen from Indonesia?

- February 17, 2026: Indonesia has the potential to witness a partial solar eclipse when the annular solar eclipse takes place in the southern hemisphere. The extent of the eclipse coverage in the Indonesian sky will vary depending on location; eastern Indonesia usually has a clearer partial eclipse time than the western region.

- August 12, 2026: Even though Indonesia is outside the totality line, the partial eclipse phase may still be visible if the weather conditions are clear. Observation through aids such as telescopes with safe filters or eclipse glasses is highly recommended.

Solar eclipses are not only a visual spectacle, but also a scientific stage for studying the dynamics of the Earth, Moon, and Sun. This phenomenon provides an unforgettable experience while inviting the general public to expand their knowledge of the universe.

In addition, a number of astronomical communities in Indonesia are expected to hold public viewing, joint observations, and eclipse education for the general public. Technical information such as the peak time of partial eclipses, duration, and the best viewing direction is usually shared before the date of the event.

Although Indonesia is not on the path of totality of the 2026 eclipse, this phenomenon is still a moment of sky that is worth watching - a rare opportunity to see the "bite" of the Moon on the face of the Sun that only occurs several times in a decade.