The first solar eclipse of 2026 will occur on February 17, and it will be an annular solar eclipse, commonly called a ring of fire event. During this phenomenon, the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun but does not fully cover it, leaving a bright ring of sunlight visible around the Moon’s edge.
The eclipse is noteworthy due to its extremely limited path of full visibility, primarily over Antarctica and surrounding ocean regions. While the full annular phase will be visible to very few people, a larger number of observers in the Southern Hemisphere will still be able to see a partial eclipse.
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What is an Annular Solar Eclipse
An annular solar eclipse happens when the Moon is slightly farther from Earth in its orbit and appears smaller in the sky. As a result, it cannot completely block the Sun, even when it is perfectly aligned between the Earth and the Sun.
During the February 17 event, the Moon will cover about 96 percent of the Sun at maximum. However, a thin outer ring of sunlight will remain visible. This creates the distinct ring of fire effect that distinguishes it from a total solar eclipse, in which the Sun is completely covered.
The annular phase is brief and can last for just a few minutes, depending on the observer’s exact location within the path of annularity.
Path of Annularity and Main Viewing Areas
The path of annularity is the narrow track across Earth where the ring of fire can be seen. For this eclipse, the path lies almost entirely in remote regions, mainly across Antarctica and the surrounding Southern Ocean.
The central path will begin in the southern Indian Ocean, move across parts of Antarctica, and end in the southern Atlantic Ocean. Because these areas are sparsely populated, very few people will have the opportunity to witness the full annular phase.
Research stations located in Antarctica, such as Concordia Station and Mirny Station, fall within or close to the central path and may offer some of the best land-based views of the eclipse.
Regions with Full Annular Visibility
| Location | Visibility Type | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Western Antarctica | Annular | Core path of the eclipse |
| Southern Ocean | Annular | Maximum duration over water |
| Antarctic research stations | Annular | Limited human presence |
| Coastal Antarctica | Annular | Short-duration visibility |
Partial Eclipse Visibility Across Regions
Although the annular phase is limited, a wider region will experience a partial eclipse. In these areas, the Moon will block only a portion of the Sun, resulting in a crescent-shaped appearance.
The partial eclipse will be visible across several regions in the Southern Hemisphere, including southern Africa and the southern parts of South America. Antarctica outside the central path will also see a partial eclipse.
Countries such as South Africa, Mozambique, Madagascar, Chile, and Argentina will be able to observe the event in partial form. However, the percentage of the Sun covered will vary depending on the distance from the central path.
Partial Visibility
| Region | Visibility | Approximate Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Southern Africa | Partial | 10 percent to 30 percent |
| Southern South America | Partial | Moderate coverage |
| Antarctica outside path | Partial | Higher coverage |
| Ocean regions | Partial | Varies widely |
Areas Where the Eclipse Will Not Be Visible
A large portion of the world will not be able to see this eclipse. Regions located in the Northern Hemisphere will be on the night side of Earth during the event.
Countries such as India, most of Europe, and North America will not experience either the annular or partial phases of the eclipse. Observers in these regions will need to rely on online streams or scientific broadcasts to follow the event.
This limited visibility makes the February 2026 eclipse less accessible compared to other solar eclipses that cross densely populated regions.
Timings of the Eclipse
The eclipse will unfold over several hours and feature multiple stages, including the start of the partial phase, the annular phase, and the end of the event.
The main phases are expected to occur at the following times in Coordinated Universal Time.
- Partial eclipse begins around 09:56 UTC
- Annular phase begins around 11:42 UTC
- Maximum eclipse occurs around 12:12 UTC
- Annular phase ends around 12:41 UTC
- Partial eclipse ends around 14:27 UTC
The exact local time will vary depending on the observer’s location.
Scientific Importance of the Event
Even though the eclipse is not widely visible, it holds scientific importance. Observations from Antarctica provide valuable opportunities to study solar radiation, atmospheric changes, and the interaction of sunlight with Earth’s environment in extreme conditions.
The event is also part of a series of eclipses that will occur between 2026 and 2027. This period includes multiple annular and total solar eclipses, offering repeated opportunities for research and observation.
Safety Guidelines for Viewing
Looking directly at the Sun during an eclipse can cause serious eye damage. Proper precautions are essential for anyone planning to observe the event, even during the partial phase.
Important safety steps include the following.
- Use certified solar viewing glasses
- Avoid using regular sunglasses
- Do not look through cameras or binoculars without proper filters
- Use indirect viewing methods, such as a pinhole projector
The annular solar eclipse on February 17, 2026, will be a rare celestial event, but its visibility will be limited to remote regions of the Southern Hemisphere. The full ring of fire will mainly occur over Antarctica and nearby oceans, making it difficult for most people to witness it directly.
At the same time, partial views will be available across parts of Africa and South America. For many regions, including India, the event will not be visible, highlighting the importance of location in observing solar eclipses.