Solar Eclipse 2023: Date, time and how to watch Surya Grahan

As the year 2023 bids adieu, a celestial grand finale awaits sky gazers worldwide with the last solar eclipse scheduled to captivate the heavens on October 14. This annual solar eclipse, boasting a magnitude of 0.95, promises a visual feast as the moon's shadow perfectly aligns with the sun's center, crafting a mesmerising circular ring—a phenomenon colloquially known as the “Ring of Fire.”

2 things you need to know

• The last solar eclipse of 2023 won't be visible in India.
• The Surya Grahan is set to begin at 8:34 PM on October 14.

Timing and significance

The cosmic event is set to begin at 8:34 PM on Saturday, October 14, and conclude at 2:25 AM on Sunday, October 15, spanning a total duration of 5 hours and 51 minutes. Interestingly, the eclipse coincides with the auspicious Ashwin Amavasya and precedes the commencement of Shardiya Navratri.

(Grahan won't be visible in India | Image: Nasa/X)

Understanding the ring of fire

Experts explain that an annual solar eclipse occurs when the moon is either at its nearest or farthest point from Earth, causing it to appear smaller in the sky. In this unique phenomenon, the sun isn't entirely obscured, creating a mesmerising "Ring of Fire" around the moon.

Global viewing opportunities

While the eclipse won't be visible in India, enthusiasts in Southern parts of Mexico, Central America, and the northern regions of South America are in for a treat. Additionally, a partial solar eclipse will be observable from North America, most of South America, and the northeastern coastal regions of Africa.

Where the Grahan won't visit

According to Drik Panchang, this celestial spectacle will not be visible in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Afghanistan, Fiji, Mauritius, UAE, and other Asian countries. Similarly, most of Africa, Europe, Australia, and Antarctica will miss out on this cosmic display.