What time is the annular solar eclipse on Feb. 17? A quick guide to solar eclipses
On Feb. 17, 2026 (ET) an annular solar eclipse transformed the sun into a dramatic "ring of fire" for a narrow slice of Antarctica. While precise local start, maximum and end times varied across locations, the moment of annularity at the greatest point lasted up to 2 minutes and 20 seconds.
Where and who saw the 'ring of fire'
Only a very small region of Antarctica fell inside the path of annularity — a corridor about 2, 661 miles long and 383 miles wide (4, 282 by 616 kilometers). Observers standing within that corridor saw the moon cover roughly 96% of the sun's disk, leaving the thin bright ring at maximum that gives this event its nickname.
Elsewhere in Antarctica, and across parts of southern Africa and the southernmost tip of South America, skywatchers witnessed a partial solar eclipse rather than the full annular display. Those locations saw the sun clipped by the moon to varying degrees but did not experience the continuous ring at maximum.
Timing and duration — what to expect with solar eclipses
Annular eclipses happen when the moon passes between Earth and the sun while the moon is near apogee, its farthest point from Earth in its orbit. That greater distance makes the moon appear slightly smaller than the sun, so it cannot fully cover the solar disk. The visible result at maximum is a bright outer ring of sunlight surrounding the dark silhouette of the moon.
Because the eclipse path crosses polar and southern latitudes, local timing varied widely; the event was listed on Feb. 17 in Eastern Time. At the point of greatest annularity, the ring-of-fire phase lasted no longer than about 2 minutes and 20 seconds. Partial phases before and after annularity extended the eclipse duration for many locations, with total elapsed times running longer depending on where an observer stood relative to the path.
Safety first: viewing solar eclipses the right way
Never look directly at the sun without proper protection. Whether your location experienced a partial eclipse or the annular ring, the same hazards apply: unfiltered viewing can cause severe and permanent eye damage. Observers must use certified solar eclipse glasses when looking at the sun and place solar filters on cameras, telescopes and binoculars, positioned over the front of the optics.
Specialized solar viewers and filters are essential for all phases of an annular eclipse, including the peak ring phase. Ordinary sunglasses, smoked glass, or improvised filters are not safe. If you are unsure how to prepare, seek guidance from experienced skywatchers or astronomical organizations before attempting to view the sun.
For those who missed the event, mark calendars for upcoming major occurrences: a total solar eclipse on Aug. 12, 2026, will be visible from parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain, with broader partial visibility across parts of Europe and Africa. A total lunar eclipse on March 3, 2026, will follow, turning the moon a deep red for observers across wide regions including North America, Australia and East Asia.
The Feb. 17 annular eclipse offered a fleeting, photogenic spectacle for a small fraction of the planet and a partial reminder of the dynamic celestial choreography above us. Whether you're planning future eclipse travel or simply preparing to observe the next sky event from home, prioritize safety and check local timing for the best viewing experience.
