Antarctica to Witness Rare 'Ring of Fire' Solar Eclipse on February 17

An annular solar eclipse is set to occur on February 17, 2026, predominantly visible over Antarctica. This phenomenon, often referred to as a "ring of fire," happens when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun but is too distant to completely cover the Sun, leaving a bright ring encircling the Moon's silhouette.

The path of annularity will span approximately 2,661 miles (4,282 kilometers) in length and 383 miles (616 kilometers) in width, traversing remote regions of Antarctica and the adjacent Southern Ocean. Due to the eclipse's trajectory, only a limited number of observers, including personnel at research stations such as Concordia (French-Italian) and Mirny (Russian), will have the opportunity to witness the full annular phase.

Partial phases of the eclipse will be observable in select areas of the Southern Hemisphere. In South America, regions like the southern tip of Argentina and Chile may experience a partial eclipse. In Africa, parts of southeastern countries, including Mozambique, Madagascar, and Mauritius, will also see partial coverage.

The eclipse will commence at 09:56 UTC and conclude at 14:27 UTC, with the annular phase occurring between 11:42 UTC and 12:41 UTC. Observers in regions with partial visibility are advised to use proper eye protection, such as ISO 12312-2-rated eclipse glasses, to safely view the event.

This event marks the first solar eclipse of 2026 and is part of an eclipse season that includes a total lunar eclipse on March 3, 2026.