What time is the annular solar eclipse on Feb. 17? Latest on solar eclipses
Short answer: the annular "ring of fire" eclipse that fell on Feb. 17, 2026 (ET) has now concluded. The moon crossed between Earth and the sun in a narrow corridor over Antarctica, producing an annular phase that lasted up to 2 minutes and 20 seconds at greatest eclipse. Observers outside that corridor saw a partial solar eclipse.
Where and when the eclipse happened (Feb. 17, 2026 ET)
The annular phase occurred along a relatively tiny slice of Antarctica. Eclipse path data show a corridor roughly 2, 661 miles long and about 383 miles wide (4, 282 by 616 kilometers) where the moon covered most of the sun’s disk, leaving a bright outer ring visible at maximum. The annular phase — the familiar "ring of fire" — reached its maximum at a point along that corridor and lasted up to 2 minutes and 20 seconds there.
Elsewhere across Antarctica and much of the southern hemisphere, the sun was only partially obscured. Large swaths of southern Africa and the southernmost parts of South America experienced partial phases, with observers seeing the moon take a noticeable bite out of the solar disk but not forming a full annulus.
How the annular eclipse works and safety reminders
An annular solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes directly between Earth and the sun but is a bit too far from Earth to completely cover the solar disk. The moon’s apparent diameter is smaller than the sun’s, so a bright ring of sunlight remains at maximum. That ring is what gives the event its "ring of fire" nickname.
Never look directly at the sun without certified solar filters. Whether you were in the narrow annular path or watching a partial event from farther away, the viewing hazards are identical. Observers must wear eclipse glasses that meet international safety standards, and any camera, telescope or binoculars used during the event needed a proper solar filter placed over the front of the optics at all times. Improvised or damaged filters are not safe. If you missed this event, plan carefully for the next opportunities and consult verified solar-observing guides for safe viewing practices.
What’s next on the eclipse calendar
Skywatchers won't have to wait years for the next striking solar event. The next solar eclipse of note will be a total solar eclipse on Aug. 12, 2026 (ET). That totality will cross parts of Greenland and Iceland and make landfall in northern Spain; broader regions of Europe and Africa will witness a partial eclipse. Before that, a total lunar eclipse on March 3, 2026 (ET) will turn the moon a blood red for viewers across North America, Australia, New Zealand, East Asia and the Pacific.
For photographers and serious skywatchers making plans, check eclipse path predictions and local timing well in advance. Weather, local daylight conditions and travel logistics can all determine whether you make it into the corridor of annularity or totality for future events. When traveling for an eclipse, prepare certified eye protection and camera filters, and factor in contingency plans for cloud cover.
Editors’ note: The annular event on Feb. 17, 2026 (ET) has concluded. This brief roundup captures where the annular and partial phases were visible, stresses safe-observing practices, and points to the next notable eclipses on the calendar.
