Eclipses (grahan) in 2003
Every solar and lunar eclipse of 2003, with timings and visibility for New Delhi. Sutak applies only where an eclipse is actually visible.
Next eclipse visible from New Delhi: Partial solar eclipse on 2 August 2027
Never look at the Sun directly or through ordinary sunglasses during a solar eclipse — use certified eclipse glasses or a pinhole projector. A lunar eclipse is safe to watch with the naked eye.
Total lunar eclipse — 16 May 2003
Not visible from New DelhiPast
- Maximum (global)
- 16 May 2003, 9:10 AM
- Penumbral phase
- 16 May 2003, 6:36 AM to 11:43 AM
- Partial (umbral) phase
- 16 May 2003, 7:32 AM to 10:47 AM
- Totality
- 16 May 2003, 8:43 AM to 9:36 AM
- Sutak
- No sutak in New Delhi
Annular solar eclipse — 31 May 2003
Visible from New DelhiPast
- Seen from New Delhi
- 31 May 2003, 7:36 AM to 8:30 AM
- Sun covered
- 2% at maximum
- Maximum (global)
- 31 May 2003, 9:38 AM
- Sutak
- 30 May 2003, 7:36 PM to 31 May 2003, 8:30 AM
Total lunar eclipse — 9 November 2003
Visible from New DelhiPast
- Seen from New Delhi
- 9 Nov 2003, 5:02 AM to 6:42 AM
- Maximum (global)
- 9 Nov 2003, 6:48 AM
- Penumbral phase
- 9 Nov 2003, 3:46 AM to 9:50 AM
- Partial (umbral) phase
- 9 Nov 2003, 5:02 AM to 8:34 AM
- Totality
- 9 Nov 2003, 6:35 AM to 7:01 AM
- Sutak
- 8 Nov 2003, 8:02 PM to 9 Nov 2003, 6:42 AM
Total solar eclipse — 24 November 2003
Not visible from New DelhiPast
- Maximum (global)
- 24 Nov 2003, 4:19 AM
- Sutak
- No sutak in New Delhi
Sutak and grahan customs
In the Hindu tradition the period before an eclipse is called sutak. It begins 12 hours (4 prahars) before a solar eclipse and 9 hours (3 prahars) before a lunar eclipse, and only where the eclipse is visible. Many families avoid cooking and eating during sutak, keep tulsi leaves in stored food, chant or meditate during the eclipse, and bathe and give charity after it ends. Children, the elderly, the sick and pregnant women are traditionally exempt from the fasting rules.
Frequently asked questions
How many eclipses are there in 2003?
2003 has 2 solar and 2 lunar eclipses.
When is the next eclipse visible from New Delhi?
The next eclipse visible from New Delhi is the partial solar eclipse on 2 August 2027.