Satellite Captures 'Ring of Fire' Solar Eclipse Over Antarctica
On February 17, 2026, an annular solar eclipse occurred, primarily visible over Antarctica. During this eclipse, the Moon obscured approximately 96% of the Sun, creating a 'ring of fire' effect where a bright ring of sunlight remained visible around the Moon's silhouette. This phenomenon was captured by South Korea's GEO-KOMPSAT-2A satellite, which recorded the event over the remote ice sheets of Antarctica.
Partial phases of the eclipse were visible in parts of southern South America and southeastern Africa, including countries such as South Africa, Mozambique, and Madagascar. The eclipse was a rare astronomical event mainly observable from Antarctica, with limited visibility in surrounding southern regions.
The event attracted interest from astronomers and eclipse enthusiasts worldwide due to its distinctive appearance and geographic visibility.
