An annular solar eclipse, often called a “ring of fire” eclipse, will be visible on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, but the spectacle will be largely confined to Antarctica and the surrounding Southern Ocean. The eclipse will occur when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, but because the Moon is farther away in its orbit, it won’t completely cover the Sun, leaving a bright ring visible.
While the path of annularity – where the “ring of fire” effect is seen – crosses remote parts of Antarctica, a partial eclipse will be visible from portions of southern Africa and the far south of South America, as well as much of Antarctica, according to space weather and astronomy resources. The annular eclipse path itself is approximately 4,282 kilometers long and 616 kilometers wide.
The eclipse will begin with a partial phase at 09:56 UTC on February 17th, as the Moon’s penumbra touches Earth over the Southern Ocean. The annular phase will commence at 11:42 UTC when the Moon’s antumbra crosses the Antarctic mainland. The moment of greatest eclipse, when the Moon most fully obscures the Sun, will occur at 12:12 UTC. The annular phase will end at 12:41 UTC as the antumbra leaves Earth over the Southern Ocean.
For those not positioned within the narrow path of annularity, the eclipse will appear as a partial solar eclipse. McMurdo Station, the primary American research base in Antarctica, is expected to experience a deep partial eclipse, with approximately 86% of the Sun being obscured by the Moon. Other research stations, including the Concordia Research Station (French-Italian) and the Russian Mirny Station in Queen Mary Land, are also positioned to observe the event.
Astronomers note that this eclipse is particularly challenging to observe due to its location. Access to Antarctica is limited, and viewing will largely be restricted to scientists and personnel stationed at research facilities. For those unable to travel to the region, the Eclipse Guide app is suggested as a means of tracking the event.
The next solar eclipse after February 17, 2026, has not been specified, leaving those interested in observing future events awaiting further announcements from astronomical organizations.
