Antarctica to Witness Rare 'Ring of Fire' Solar Eclipse on February 17, 2026
An annular solar eclipse will occur on February 17, 2026, visible primarily from Antarctica, with partial views in parts of southern Africa and South America.
On February 17, 2026, an annular solar eclipse will occur, predominantly visible from Antarctica. During this event, the Moon will pass between the Earth and the Sun but will not completely cover the Sun's disk, resulting in a 'ring of fire' effect. The maximum eclipse will last approximately 2 minutes and 20 seconds, with about 96% of the Sun's center obscured by the Moon.
While the full annular eclipse will be observable only from Antarctica, partial phases will be visible in certain regions of the Southern Hemisphere. Observers in parts of southern Africa, including South Africa, Mozambique, and Madagascar, as well as the southern tips of Chile and Argentina, will experience a partial eclipse.
In India, the eclipse will not be visible. However, enthusiasts can watch the event through live streams provided by space agencies and observatories. It's important to use proper eye protection, such as eclipse glasses or certified solar filters, when observing solar eclipses to prevent eye damage.
This eclipse is part of an eclipse season, a period when solar and lunar eclipses occur in close succession. Following the February 17 solar eclipse, a total lunar eclipse is expected on March 3, 2026, visible in East Asia, Australia, and parts of North America.