Bhubneswar, Feb 17: The first solar eclipse of the year will take place today. However, the celestial event will not be visible in India, including Odisha.

According to astronomical information, the eclipse will be observed as a partial solar eclipse in parts of southern Africa, southern South America, and over regions of the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans. In certain areas of Antarctica, it will appear as an annular solar eclipse.

As per Indian Standard Time (IST), the eclipse will begin at 3:26 PM, reach its maximum phase at 5:42 PM, and end at 7:57 PM.

Meanwhile, a lunar eclipse is scheduled to occur on March 2, coinciding with Phalguna Purnima. It is expected to be visible across India as a partial lunar eclipse for a brief duration, informed noted science communicator Dr. Shubhendu Pattnaik.

Significantly, this year’s Phalguna Amavasya will witness a solar eclipse, while the full moon day (Purnima) will see a lunar eclipse.