What to know about annular solar eclipse

An annular solar eclipse — often called a “ring of fire” eclipse — will occur on February 17, 2026, offering a rare celestial spectacle that, this time, will be seen by almost no one.

What is an annular solar eclipse?

An annular solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, but is too far from Earth to completely cover the Sun. As a result, the Moon blocks the Sun’s centre while leaving a bright ring of sunlight around its edges — the so-called ring of fire.

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Unlike a total solar eclipse, the sky does not turn dark, and the Sun is never fully covered.

What will happen on February 17, 2026?

On that day, the Moon will eclipse about 96 per cent of the Sun’s centre, creating a ring of fire that will last for up to two minutes and 20 seconds at maximum.

However, the eclipse’s annular path will pass over a remote part of Antarctica, making it one of the least observed solar eclipses in recent history.

According to eclipse meteorologist Jay Anderson, only a handful of people are expected to witness it directly.

“It’s possible that only a few people will view this eclipse from within the annular zone,” Anderson wrote on Eclipsophile.com, noting that the region is extremely difficult to access and lacks tourist infrastructure.

Where will it be visible?

The eclipse will:

Rise over mainland Antarctica

Set off the Davis Sea coast in the Southern Ocean

Only observers located in Antarctica or the surrounding Southern Ocean will see the full ring of fire. Areas outside the annular path will experience a partial solar eclipse.

How is it different from a total solar eclipse?

The key difference lies in the Moon’s distance from Earth.

During an annular eclipse, the Moon is near apogee — its farthest point from Earth — making it appear smaller than the Sun.

During a total eclipse, the Moon is closer and fully covers the Sun, briefly plunging parts of Earth into darkness.

Annular eclipses are visually striking but less dramatic than total eclipses.

Is it safe to watch?

Yes — but only with proper eye protection.

Even during the annular phase, the Sun remains dangerously bright. Eclipse glasses or certified solar viewers are required at all times. Looking directly at the Sun without protection can cause permanent eye damage.

What annular eclipses are coming next?

After the 2026 Antarctica event, three major annular solar eclipses will be visible across populated regions:

February 6, 2027: Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria

January 26, 2028: Galápagos Islands, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, Suriname, French Guiana, Morocco, and Spain

June 1, 2030: Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Greece, Turkey, Russia, Kazakhstan, China, and Japan

The 2027 eclipse is expected to attract significant attention in West Africa, including Nigeria, due to its wide visibility.

Why it matters

While the 2026 annular eclipse will pass largely unseen, it remains scientifically significant and serves as a reminder of the precise cosmic mechanics governing Earth, the Moon, and the Sun.

For skywatchers, the more accessible annular eclipses in 2027 and beyond offer better opportunities to safely experience the rare and beautiful “ring of fire.”