Annual solar eclipse 2026: Date, Time and will India witness the stunning ‘ring of fire’ eclipse?

Ring of Fire Solar Eclipse (Image: Canva)

An annular solar eclipse on 17 February 2026 will create a striking ring of fire effect, visible mainly over Antarctica and partially from southern South America and parts of Africa. India will not witness any phase of this eclipse. The event begins at 07:01 UTC and occurs when the moon, near apogee, blocks 96 percent of the sun’s centre. A total lunar eclipse will follow two weeks later, visible in other regions.

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An annular solar eclipse will occur on 17 February 2026, creating a rare ring of fire effect in the sky. The event will be visible mainly from Antarctica and parts of the Southern Hemisphere. Many in India are asking whether the country will witness any part of this celestial display.

What Is Happening On 17 February 2026?

An annular solar eclipse happens when the moon crosses the sun. The moon is then near apogee, its farthest point from Earth. Because of this distance, it appears slightly smaller than the sun. It blocks about 96 percent of the sun’s centre. A bright ring of sunlight remains visible around it. This glowing circle is known as the ring of fire.

The eclipse will begin at 07:01 UTC on 17 February. The maximum phase will be seen over Antarctica. The annular phase will last up to 2 minutes and 20 seconds. Even during this phase, eclipse glasses are required. Looking directly at the sun remains unsafe without protection.

Who Will See The Ring Of Fire?

The path of annularity will be narrow and remote. It will stretch up to 472 miles, or 759 kilometres, wide. The track passes almost entirely over Antarctica’s icy interior. Two research stations lie within this path. Concordia Station sits on the Dome C plateau. Mirny Station stands along the Davis Sea coast.

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Concordia is operated by European partners. It is often described as the remotest base on Earth. Around 80 people stay there during summer. Mirny is run by Russia. Between 50 and 200 people stay there seasonally. Observers there will see a complete ring of fire.

Parts of southern Chile and Argentina will see a partial eclipse. Some regions of South Africa will also witness partial phases. These will appear shortly after sunrise in those areas.

Will India Witness The 2026 Annular Eclipse?

India will not see any part of this eclipse. The path lies far south of the equator. North America will also miss the event entirely. For viewers in India, the sky will remain unchanged.

However, eclipses often occur in pairs. Two weeks later, a total lunar eclipse will follow. That event will be visible across North America.

The new moon on 17 February carries cultural importance. It sets the lunar calendar in motion. This year it marks Chinese New Year’s Year of the Fire Horse. With a crescent moon on 18 February, Ramadan will begin.

After 2026, more annular eclipses are scheduled. On 6 February 2027, one will cross South America and West Africa. On 26 January 2028, another will pass Ecuador, Peru and Spain. On 1 June 2030, parts of North Africa and Asia will see the ring.