Solar and Lunar Eclipses: Why They Happen, What Astrology Says, and the Sutak Rules
An eclipse happens when the earth, Moon and Sun line up. When the Moon passes in front of the Sun and hides it, there is a solar eclipse; when the Moon enters the earth's shadow, a lunar eclipse. The Moon is on the Sun's side at every new moon and opposite at every full moon, yet eclipses do not happen monthly, because the Moon's orbit is tilted about 5 degrees to the Sun's apparent path.
Where Rahu and Ketu come in
The Moon's orbit and the Sun's path cross at two points: the northward crossing is Rahu, the southward Ketu. Only when a new or full moon falls close to one of these points is there an eclipse. In the Puranic story Rahu swallows the Sun or Moon; in astronomical terms Rahu and Ketu are where eclipses can happen. There are usually four to seven eclipses a year, at least two of them solar.
Kinds of eclipse
| Kind | What happens |
|---|---|
| Total solar | the Moon covers the Sun completely; seen only along a narrow track |
| Annular solar | the Moon, being far, looks smaller and leaves a ring of sunlight |
| Partial solar | part of the Sun is covered |
| Total lunar | the Moon is fully in the earth's umbra and turns reddish |
| Partial lunar | part of the Moon is in the umbra |
| Penumbral lunar | the Moon is only in the faint outer shadow, barely noticeable |
A lunar eclipse is seen at once from the whole night side of the earth; a solar eclipse only from a limited region.
Eclipses in astrology
The classical texts, above all Varahamihira's Brihat Samhita, treat eclipses as important signs for nations and societies. The sign and nakshatra of an eclipse point to the matters and regions that call for care over the following weeks or months. In a personal chart an eclipse falling on the moon sign, lagna or birth nakshatra marks a time for special attention.
An important traditional rule: an eclipse not visible from a place has little effect there, and no sutak is observed. A penumbral lunar eclipse is not counted as an eclipse at all. Suvolagna's world and country forecasts calculate from which countries each eclipse can be seen.
Sutak rules
Sutak is the period of ritual impurity before an eclipse. By common practice:
- Solar eclipse: sutak starts 12 hours (four prahars) before the eclipse begins.
- Lunar eclipse: sutak starts 9 hours (three prahars) before.
- For children, the elderly and the sick the rules are relaxed, usually to one prahar before the eclipse.
- During sutak cooked food, new work and worship are avoided; bathing and charity follow the eclipse.
These are religious customs, not scientific rules; those who observe them follow their family's and almanac's practice.
An essential safety note
Never look at a solar eclipse with the naked eye, ordinary sunglasses, X-ray film or a reflection in water: the retina can be permanently damaged. Use certified solar filters or pinhole projection. A lunar eclipse is completely safe to watch.
Eclipses of 2026–2027
| Date (Bangladesh time) | Eclipse | From Dhaka |
|---|---|---|
| 12–13 August 2026 | total solar (Cancer) | not visible |
| 28 August 2026 | partial lunar (Aquarius) | not visible |
| 6 February 2027 | annular solar (Capricorn) | not visible |
| 21 February 2027 | penumbral lunar (Leo) | visible, but not counted in the scriptures |
| 2 August 2027 | total solar (Cancer) | a small partial phase before sunset |
Times and visibility are from our own calculations with the Lahiri ayanamsha. Each country's yearly forecast gives the details for that country.
Common questions
Why is there not an eclipse every month?
The Moon's orbit is tilted about 5 degrees to the Sun's path. An eclipse happens only when a new or full moon falls near Rahu or Ketu, the two crossing points.
When does sutak begin for a lunar eclipse?
By common practice 9 hours before it begins; 12 hours before a solar eclipse. Where the eclipse is not visible, sutak is not observed.
Does a penumbral lunar eclipse count?
The scriptures do not count a penumbral eclipse, so no sutak or eclipse rites apply.
- The Panchang: How Tithi, Vara, Nakshatra, Yoga and Karana Are Worked Out
- Tithi: The Thirty Lunar Days, Their Nature and Their Uses
- The 27 Nakshatras: Names, Lords, Sign Spans and Padas
- The Bengali Panjika and Bangabda: Months from Sankrantis, and Why Bangladesh and West Bengal Differ
- What Is Rahu Kaal, When Is It, and Why Avoid Starting New Work
- Choosing an Auspicious Time: Abhijit, Rahu Kaal, Yamaganda, Gulika and Amrita Yoga