What time was the annular solar eclipses 'ring of fire' on Feb. 17?
The annular solar eclipse on Feb. 17 (ET) produced a dramatic "ring of fire" for observers inside a very small corridor of Antarctica, while much broader regions saw a partial eclipse. The brightest moment — the annularity or "ring" phase — lasted up to 2 minutes and 20 seconds at the point of greatest eclipse.
Where and how long the ring was visible
The path of annularity tracked a narrow corridor across Antarctica roughly 2, 661 miles long and 383 miles wide (4, 282 by 616 kilometers). Observers located within that corridor experienced the moon covering about 96% of the sun's disk, leaving a thin outer ring of sunlight visible at maximum eclipse. That bright ring was fleeting; the longest annular phase at the point of greatest eclipse ran for up to 2 minutes and 20 seconds.
Outside the corridor, large swaths of Antarctica, plus portions of southern Africa and the southernmost tip of South America, saw partial solar eclipses. In those places the moon obscured only part of the sun, creating a noticeable dimming and a distinctive crescent-shaped sun at peak, but not the full "ring of fire" effect.
Timing, location and what it means for skywatchers
Precise start, maximum and end times for the eclipse depend on the observer's exact location. The Feb. 17 event occurred on that date in Eastern Time, but the local clock times varied across the path. The most useful way to determine the exact timing for any specific site is to consult local astronomical timing tables or eclipse calculators that translate universal timings into local clock times.
For those inside the narrow annular corridor, the sequence of events is familiar: the moon begins to encroach on the solar disk, the sun becomes a crescent, and then for a brief interval the moon's silhouette leaves a luminous ring around its darkened disk. That annular phase is shorter than many total-eclipse durations, so even observers within the path had only minutes to see the complete "ring".
For regions experiencing a partial eclipse, the spectacle is less dramatic but still notable. The percentage of the sun obscured varied with distance from the path of annularity; farther away, the crescent appears thinner, and the overall dimming is reduced.
Safety and what comes next for eclipse watchers
Never look directly at the sun without proper protection. Whether an observer experienced a full annular eclipse or a partial event, direct viewing without certified solar filters is hazardous. Solar eclipse glasses are required for naked-eye viewing. Cameras, binoculars and telescopes must always have appropriate solar filters placed in front of their lenses; improvised or inadequate filters and regular sunglasses do not provide sufficient protection.
The Feb. 17 annular event is now complete. The next notable solar event on the calendar is a total solar eclipse on Aug. 12, 2026 (ET), which will be visible from parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain, with a partial eclipse visible across wider areas of Europe and Africa. Skywatchers will also see a total lunar eclipse on March 3, 2026 (ET), when the moon turns a deep red and will be visible across North America, Australia, New Zealand, East Asia and parts of the Pacific.
Observers who missed the Feb. 17 show can plan for these upcoming events, but should always prepare with proper equipment and verified timing for their exact location. The brevity of annular phases underscores the importance of arriving ready: the most striking moments can pass in a matter of minutes.
