Eclipses (grahan) in 2008
Every solar and lunar eclipse of 2008, 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.
Annular solar eclipse — 7 February 2008
Not visible from New DelhiPast
- Maximum (global)
- 7 Feb 2008, 9:25 AM
- Sutak
- No sutak in New Delhi
Total lunar eclipse — 21 February 2008
Not visible from New DelhiPast
- Maximum (global)
- 21 Feb 2008, 8:56 AM
- Penumbral phase
- 21 Feb 2008, 6:06 AM to 11:45 AM
- Partial (umbral) phase
- 21 Feb 2008, 7:13 AM to 10:39 AM
- Totality
- 21 Feb 2008, 8:30 AM to 9:21 AM
- Sutak
- No sutak in New Delhi
Total solar eclipse — 1 August 2008
Visible from New DelhiPast
- Seen from New Delhi
- 1 Aug 2008, 4:03 PM to 5:56 PM
- Sun covered
- 54% at maximum
- Maximum (global)
- 1 Aug 2008, 3:51 PM
- Sutak
- 1 Aug 2008, 4:03 AM to 5:56 PM
Partial lunar eclipse — 17 August 2008
Visible from New DelhiPast
- Seen from New Delhi
- 17 Aug 2008, 1:05 AM to 4:14 AM
- Maximum (global)
- 17 Aug 2008, 2:40 AM
- Penumbral phase
- 16 Aug 2008, 11:54 PM to 17 Aug 2008, 5:25 AM
- Partial (umbral) phase
- 17 Aug 2008, 1:05 AM to 4:14 AM
- Sutak
- 16 Aug 2008, 4:05 PM to 17 Aug 2008, 4:14 AM
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 2008?
2008 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.