Annular 'ring of fire' eclipse to skim a sliver of Antarctica on Feb. 17
Skywatchers should mark Feb. 17 (ET) on their calendars: an annular solar eclipse will turn the sun into a dramatic "ring of fire" along a narrow track across Antarctica. The spectacle will last only briefly at any one location — up to 2 minutes and 20 seconds at the point of greatest annularity — while much broader regions will experience a partial eclipse.
Where and when to see the eclipse (all times ET)
The annular phase on Feb. 17 will be confined to a relatively small corridor across Antarctica. That corridor stretches roughly 2, 661 miles long and about 383 miles wide (approximately 4, 282 by 616 kilometers), and only observers inside that narrow path will see the sun reduced to a thin, bright ring at maximum eclipse.
Outside the path of annularity, viewers across much of the rest of Antarctica and parts of southern Africa and the southern tip of South America will see a partial solar eclipse, with the moon covering a large portion of the sun but not producing the full "ring of fire" effect.
Exact start, maximum and end times for the partial and annular phases depend on the observer’s precise location. Because the path lies deep in the Southern Hemisphere, most observers in populated Northern Hemisphere time zones will not see any part of this event. For anyone planning to observe from a location near the path, check local eclipse timing tables to convert the event stages into Eastern Time (ET) before making plans.
Viewing safety: essential precautions
Never look directly at the sun without proper protection. The risks are the same whether you expect to see a partial eclipse or the annular "ring of fire. " Observers must use certified solar eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers that meet international safety standards at all times while looking at the sun. Ordinary sunglasses are not safe for eclipse viewing.
Cameras, binoculars and telescopes must never be used to view the sun without a proper solar filter securely placed over the front of the optics. Do not rely on filters that screw into an eyepiece; they must be fitted over the objective lens or aperture. Failure to use appropriate protection can result in permanent eye damage and equipment damage.
For those unable to travel to the narrow annularity path, safe indirect viewing methods — such as pinhole projectors — provide a risk-free way to observe the changing shape of the sun’s disk during the partial phases.
What comes next in the eclipse calendar
The Feb. 17 annular eclipse is one of a series of notable solar and lunar events over the next few years. A total solar eclipse is scheduled for Aug. 12, 2026, and will be visible from parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain, with a broader partial eclipse seen across larger swathes of Europe and Africa. Meanwhile, a total lunar eclipse on March 3, 2026 will turn the moon blood red and will be visible from large regions including North America, Australia, New Zealand, East Asia and much of the Pacific.
Because eclipse visibility is highly location-dependent, planning ahead is crucial for anyone considering travel to view these events. When preparing to observe, prioritize safety-first gear and verify exact local times in Eastern Time (ET) if you need to coordinate travel or live coverage plans across time zones.
For photographers and amateur astronomers, the brief duration of annularity means opportunities for dramatic imagery will be fleeting. Those who can reach the narrow path should allow extra time for transport, weather contingencies and equipment setup to maximize the chance of catching the full "ring of fire. "
