Where will the annular solar eclipse be visible on Feb. 17, 2026?
The first solar eclipse of 2026 will be an annular event on Feb. 17, 2026 (ET) — a dramatic "ring of fire" that will pass largely over the ocean and the frozen expanses of Antarctica. The narrow corridor where the annular phase is visible will cross scarcely populated terrain, meaning far fewer humans than penguins will witness the full ring.
Path of annularity: mostly Antarctica and the Southern Ocean
The corridor of annularity stretches roughly 2, 661 miles (4, 282 kilometers) long and about 383 miles (616 kilometers) wide. That band rises over mainland Antarctica and tracks westward, setting off the coast near the Davis Sea in the Southern Ocean. Along that path observers will see the Moon’s disk leave a bright ring of sunlight around its silhouette — the classic "ring of fire" effect that defines an annular eclipse.
Because the path crosses extremely remote and icy regions, only a handful of research stations and passing ships are likely to be positioned for direct annularity. Elsewhere along the projected corridor there will be few permanent human settlements, so wildlife — notably penguin colonies — will outnumber human viewers for this particular spectacle.
Partial eclipse visibility and viewing safety
A much broader swath of Earth will witness a partial eclipse, when the Moon appears to take a bite out of the Sun. The partial phase will be visible across large parts of Antarctica, southeastern Africa, the southern tip of South America, and over stretches of the Pacific, Indian, Atlantic and Southern oceans. Observers in these regions will see varying degrees of solar coverage depending on their distance from the central path.
Important safety note: it is unsafe to look directly at the Sun during any partial phase of an eclipse without proper eye protection. Use certified solar eclipse glasses or viewers that meet international safety standards, and never use regular sunglasses, improvised filters, or optical devices such as cameras, binoculars or telescopes without an approved solar filter securely attached. If using a camera or telescope, place the solar filter over the front of the instrument, not over the eyepiece. When in doubt, use indirect viewing methods such as pinhole projectors.
What comes next on the eclipse calendar
Two weeks after the annular event, Earth will experience a total lunar eclipse on March 3–4, 2026 (ET). During that event the Moon will pass into Earth’s shadow and can turn a deep red color — a so-called "blood moon". The total phase is expected to last about 58 minutes and will be visible across western North America, Australia, New Zealand and parts of East Asia. A large portion of the global population will be able to see that total lunar eclipse.
Looking further ahead, the next annular solar eclipse arrives on Feb. 6, 2027 (ET), with a central path passing over parts of South America and western Africa. That event will be accessible to observers in several populated regions, offering a more reachable opportunity to witness an annular eclipse than the 2026 corridor across the Antarctic.
For skywatchers planning travel or observation efforts, the Feb. 17, 2026 event is a reminder that some of the most spectacular celestial shows can occur where few people live. Those who cannot reach the central path will still be able to witness a partial eclipse from a wide area, while the next annular in 2027 will provide a more accessible chance to see a true "ring of fire. " Prioritize safe viewing practices whenever observing the Sun.
