What time is the annular solar eclipse on Feb. 17? solar eclipses bring a 'ring of fire' to Antarctica
Skywatchers should mark Feb. 17, 2026 (ET) for a striking annular solar eclipse that will create a brief "ring of fire" over a small portion of Antarctica. While the event will be dramatic where the annular phase is visible, only a narrow path will experience the full ring; much larger areas will see a partial eclipse.
When and where the eclipse will unfold (times in ET)
The central annular phase on Feb. 17, 2026 will produce the classic "ring of fire" effect for up to about 2 minutes and 20 seconds at the point of greatest eclipse. Exact start, maximum and end times vary depending on precise location along the path of annularity, and the full corridor crosses only a very small stretch of Antarctica. That corridor measures roughly 2, 661 miles long and 383 miles wide (about 4, 282 by 616 kilometers), where the moon will cover roughly 96% of the sun's disk.
Outside that narrow band, large portions of Antarctica and more distant observers across parts of southern Africa and the southern tip of South America will witness a partial solar eclipse rather than a complete annulus. For those regions, the sun will appear as a deeply notched crescent at maximum eclipse, with timing shifted by location and local time zones; all times here are expressed in Eastern Time (ET) for reference.
How long the spectacle lasts and what viewers should expect
The dramatic annular appearance is brief. At the greatest point the sun will be reduced to a thin, blazing ring for roughly 2 minutes and 20 seconds; the entire partial phase before and after that peak lasts longer but offers a less striking visual. Because the moon will be slightly farther from Earth on its orbital path during this event, it will not completely cover the sun, leaving the outer ring of sunlight visible.
Satellite imagery of the event has highlighted the moon's shadow sweeping across the frozen continent, producing darkened swaths visible from space and unique views of the lunar disk crossing the sun. For most human observers, however, the annular phase will be inaccessible without travel into the narrow Antarctic corridor.
Safety and viewing guidance
Never look directly at the sun without proper protection. Whether you are positioned to see a partial eclipse or the annular ring, the same hazards apply: unfiltered sunlight can cause permanent eye damage. Observers must use certified solar eclipse glasses for direct viewing at all times during the event. Cameras, binoculars and telescopes require solar filters fitted securely in front of their optics; do not rely on filters attached at the eyepiece or improvise with sunglasses or photographic ND filters that are not rated for direct solar observation.
For those unable to travel into the path of annularity, remote imaging and satellite feeds provide safe ways to follow the eclipse without exposing eyes or consumer optics to danger. Keep in mind the brief duration of the annular peak and plan viewing windows accordingly.
After this event, skywatchers can look forward to a total solar eclipse on Aug. 12, 2026 that will cross parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain, plus a total lunar eclipse on March 3, 2026 that will be visible across North America, Australia, New Zealand, East Asia and much of the Pacific.
