🌑 A spectacular annular solar eclipse is creating a “ring of fire” over Antarctica today, February 17, 2026 15. The narrow path of annularity runs across Antarctica and nearby oceans, putting the full effect out of reach for most people worldwide 7.
Only partial phases are visible from limited areas of Africa and southern South America 7. For the small number of people at Antarctic research stations, the eclipse offers a rare chance to document rapid shifts in daylight and local conditions at extreme southern latitudes 15.
Sources
- Antarctica Will See a Rare 'Ring of Fire' Solar Eclipse This Week [sciencealert.com] (2026-02-16)
- 2026's first solar eclipse: What to know about the 'ring of fire' event on Tuesday, Feb. 17 - ABC7 Los Angeles [google.com] (2026-02-16)
- A solar eclipse is coming tomorrow. Why isn’t anyone talking about it? - OregonLive.com [google.com] (2026-02-16)
- Solar eclipse 2026: Where, when and how to watch it? [thehindu.com] (2026-02-17)
- Annular solar eclipse turns the sun into a dramatic 'ring of fire' today! Here's what you need to know [space.com] (2026-02-17)
- What time is the annular solar eclipse on Feb. 17? [space.com] (2026-02-16)
- An annular solar eclipse lasting up to 2 minutes and 20 seconds is visible from Antarctica (for the first time since 2014), the Southern Ocean, and the South Indian Ocean, and partially observed in Africa, Argentina, and Chile. (EclipseWise) (AP) [eclipsewise.com] (2026-02-17)
Highlights
- How long the main show lasts: At maximum, the annular (“ring of fire”) phase lasts up to 2 minutes and 20 seconds along the centerline of the eclipse track 7
- What annularity looks like (and what it doesn’t): Because the sun is never fully covered during an annular eclipse, you won’t see the deep darkness or prominent corona that come with totality 5
- Eye safety still applies: Even at peak eclipse, use certified solar filters or indirect methods—never look directly at the sun without proper protection 4
- Wildlife spectators: Penguins and other Antarctic wildlife along the eclipse path will experience a sudden, short-lived dimming during the austral summer 1
Historical Background
Antarctica last lay under an annular eclipse track in 2014 7. The moon’s distance from Earth varies over its orbit, so its apparent size can sometimes be too small to cover the sun completely—one of the key conditions that produces an annular eclipse [common].
Scientific Significance
Action Items
- View a partial eclipse safely: If you’re in South Africa, Argentina, or Chile, use certified solar eclipse glasses or indirect viewing methods like pinhole projectors—never look directly at the sun without proper eye protection 4