Timing and viewing: solar eclipses on Feb. 17 explained
An annular solar eclipse — the dramatic "ring of fire" event — takes place on Feb. 17, observed primarily from a narrow corridor across Antarctica. The moon will pass between Earth and the sun but will be too distant to cover the solar disk fully, leaving a bright ring visible at maximum annularity. The maximum spectacle will last up to about 2 minutes and 20 seconds at the point of greatest eclipse.
Where the ring of fire will be visible and who will see a partial eclipse
Only a very limited stretch of Antarctica falls inside the path of annularity. That corridor is roughly 2, 661 miles long and 383 miles wide (about 4, 282 by 616 kilometers), and observers within it will experience the full annular phase, where the moon covers approximately 96% of the sun’s disk. Outside that narrow swath, much of Antarctica and wider areas of the Southern Hemisphere will see a partial solar eclipse rather than the full ring.
Regions that can expect a partial eclipse include broad swathes of Antarctica and parts of southern Africa and the southernmost reaches of South America. Timing for observers will vary by location; the event occurs on Feb. 17 in Eastern Time (ET), but local times across the Antarctic and nearby continents will differ with longitude and daylight conditions. Because the path is remote and crosses polar latitudes, much of the annularity will take place during local daylight in Antarctica.
How long the annular phase lasts and safety reminders
The annular phase at the greatest point of the eclipse will last up to 2 minutes and 20 seconds. That relatively brief window is when the sun forms the classic "ring of fire" — a thin bright circle surrounding the silhouetted moon. Outside the path of annularity, partial phases will be visible for a longer interval, but the dramatic ring is confined to that narrow corridor.
Never look directly at the sun without proper protection. Whether you are inside the annular path or watching a partial eclipse, permanent eye damage can occur from unfiltered solar viewing. Observers must use certified solar eclipse glasses or solar filters designed for cameras, telescopes and binoculars. Those filters should be placed over the front of optics at all times while observing. Ordinary sunglasses are not safe for eclipse viewing. If you plan to photograph the event, ensure your camera has a suitable solar filter fitted before pointing it at the sun.
What comes next on the eclipse calendar
Skywatchers can look forward to additional major eclipse events after Feb. 17. A total solar eclipse is scheduled for Aug. 12, 2026 (ET), with totality crossing parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain; a broad region of Europe and Africa will experience a partial eclipse during that event. Earlier in 2026, on March 3 (ET), a total lunar eclipse will turn the moon a deep red for observers across North America, Australia, New Zealand, East Asia and the Pacific.
For anyone planning field trips to view annularity or to chase eclipse views in remote regions, logistical challenges are significant: travel, weather, and daylight conditions at high southern latitudes all affect prospects. For most observers worldwide, the Feb. 17 event will be a partial display; those who cannot travel can still prepare for future eclipses that will cross more accessible regions.
Keep safety front of mind and check local timing and viewing conditions in advance if you plan to observe any solar eclipse. The brief but spectacular annular phase on Feb. 17 (ET) is a reminder of how dynamic and precise celestial mechanics can be, and it offers a rare sight for those positioned within its slim track across the Antarctic.
