Annular Solar Eclipse on February 17, 2026: Visibility and Details
An annular solar eclipse, known as a 'ring of fire,' will occur on February 17, 2026, primarily visible from Antarctica, with partial phases observable in parts of southern Africa and South America.
An annular solar eclipse is set to occur on February 17, 2026, predominantly visible from Antarctica. During this event, the Moon will pass between the Earth and the Sun but, due to its distance, will not completely cover the Sun's disk. This results in a 'ring of fire' effect, where a bright ring of sunlight encircles the Moon's silhouette.
The path of annularity spans approximately 2,661 miles (4,282 kilometers) and is about 383 miles (616 kilometers) wide, crossing remote regions of Antarctica. The maximum duration of the annular phase is expected to be slightly over two minutes.
While the full annular eclipse will be visible only from specific areas in Antarctica, a partial eclipse can be observed in parts of southern Africa, including South Africa, Mozambique, and Madagascar, as well as the southern tip of South America.
Observers are reminded to use proper eye protection, such as certified eclipse glasses, when viewing the eclipse to prevent eye damage.
This event marks the first solar eclipse of 2026, with a total solar eclipse expected later in the year on August 12.