What time is the annular solar eclipse on Feb. 17, 2026?
On Feb. 17, 2026, an annular solar eclipse will transform the sun into a dramatic "ring of fire" along a narrow path in Antarctica, with a much wider region seeing a partial eclipse. The period of true annularity at the point of greatest eclipse will last up to 2 minutes and 20 seconds.
Where and when to see the eclipse
The full annular phase will be visible only from a small corridor that crosses parts of Antarctica. That corridor stretches thousands of miles but is only a few hundred miles wide, so precise timing depends on your exact position within that path. Elsewhere in Antarctica, and across portions of southern Africa and the southern tip of South America, observers will witness a partial solar eclipse rather than the complete "ring of fire. "
Exact contact times — first contact (when the moon begins to cover the sun), maximum eclipse, and last contact — vary by location. The maximum annularity on Feb. 17, 2026 (Eastern Time) will be brief: up to about 2 minutes and 20 seconds at the point of greatest eclipse. For anyone planning to observe from outside the narrow annular path, expect the event to unfold over a span of several hours, with the period of noticeable dimming lasting a shorter interval depending on distance from the central track.
Safety and what to expect
Never look directly at the sun without certified solar viewing protection. Both annular and partial solar eclipses present the same eye hazards: the sun’s intense visible and invisible radiation can cause permanent eye damage. Observers must use solar eclipse glasses that meet international safety standards for direct solar viewing. Cameras, telescopes and binoculars require dedicated solar filters placed over the front of the optics at all times; improvised or homemade filters are not safe.
During true annularity, the bright solar disk is reduced to a thin ring, but safe viewing practices remain essential from first contact through the end of the event. If you are watching from a location where only a partial eclipse is visible, remember that partial coverage leaves enough of the photosphere exposed to seriously injure unprotected eyes.
Looking ahead: more eclipses on the calendar
If this event isn’t visible from your location, there are major eclipses later in the year worth marking on your calendar. A total solar eclipse on Aug. 12, 2026 (Eastern Time) will be visible from parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain, with a broad partial eclipse across wider areas of Europe and Africa. In the nearer term, a total lunar eclipse on March 3, 2026 (Eastern Time) will turn the moon a deep red for observers across North America, Australia, New Zealand, East Asia and much of the Pacific.
For planning: check local astronomical resources or observatories for precise start, peak and end times for your location, and confirm viewing-safety recommendations before heading outside. Proper preparation and protective gear are the simplest ways to make sure the next display of solar eclipses is memorable — and safe.
