Annular Solar Eclipse to Create 'Ring of Fire' Over Antarctica on February 17

An annular solar eclipse is set to occur on February 17, 2026, primarily visible over Antarctica. During this event, the Moon will pass between Earth and the Sun but, due to its distance, will not completely cover the Sun's disk. This alignment will create a "ring of fire" effect, where a thin outer ring of the Sun remains visible. The maximum duration of this annular phase is expected to be approximately 2 minutes and 20 seconds.

The eclipse will commence with a partial phase at 4:56 a.m. EST (0956 GMT), reaching maximum annularity at 7:12 a.m. EST (1212 GMT), and concluding at 9:27 a.m. EST (1427 GMT).

The path of annularity will span approximately 2,661 miles (4,282 kilometers) in length and 383 miles (616 kilometers) in width, predominantly over Antarctica. Notably, research stations such as Concordia Station and Mirny Station are situated within this path, offering optimal viewing conditions for the full annular eclipse.

Outside the path of annularity, a partial solar eclipse will be observable in certain regions. Parts of southern Africa, including countries like South Africa, Mozambique, and Madagascar, as well as the southernmost areas of South America, will experience varying degrees of partial eclipse.

Observers are strongly advised to use proper solar viewing equipment, such as eclipse glasses or solar filters, to safely watch the eclipse. Looking directly at the Sun without appropriate protection can cause serious eye damage.

Following this event, the next solar eclipse will be a total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, visible from parts of Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain, with a partial eclipse seen across broader regions of Europe and Africa.