Few on Earth will see the display of the February 2026 annular eclipse, as the Sun is perfectly matched by the Moon over one of the most far-flung areas of the planet.
Why is the annular solar eclipse of 2026 so unusual?
On 17 February 2026, the Sun will become a blazing ring of light in the sky above Antarctica. For just over two minutes, up to 96% of its centre will be covered by the Moon, creating a spectacular annular solar eclipse. The event’s narrow path means only a handful of researchers stationed in Antarctica or those aboard rare late-season cruises will be in the right place to witness it directly.
The so-called “ring of fire” will cross a stretch of the icy continent that few humans ever reach. Experts say only two inhabited locations fall inside the eclipse’s annular zone, making this celestial event one of the least observed of the decade.
Where and when will the eclipse be visible?
The eclipse’s path will stretch over 4,282 kilometres across Antarctica before fading beyond the Davis Sea. At Concordia Station, a French-Italian base deep in the continent’s interior, the annular phase will last 2 minutes and 1 second starting at 11:46 UTC. The second location, Russia’s Mirny Station, will experience the event at 12:07 UTC, lasting 1 minute and 52 seconds.
Outside the annular path, a partial solar eclipse will be visible across wider regions. Observers in southern Africa, parts of South America and the southern Indian Ocean will witness a partial cover of the Sun. Even from these regions, however, the Sun’s transformation will be subtle — with coverage as low as 3% in some cities.
Will weather conditions allow a clear view?
Cloud cover may test observers who wish to have an unobstructed view. The meteorologists predict that Mirny Station will experience approximately 65% cloud cover during the eclipse, and Concordia provides a slightly improved prospect at 35%. Despite the extreme cold, Concordia remains the most promising site for clear skies.
Some experts note that the cooling effect of the eclipse might briefly clear convective clouds, potentially improving viewing conditions. Elsewhere, inland areas of southern Africa are expected to offer the clearest skies, even though the partial eclipse there will be minimal.
When is the next annular eclipse after 2026?
For those unable to witness the Antarctic spectacle, the next annular solar eclipse will arrive on 6 February 2027. That phenomenon will pass through regions of South America and West Africa, providing a less remote chance to see the Sun's blazing ring.
Until now, February 2026's eclipse was a unique astronomical phenomenon, witnessed from one of the most unforgiving and sparsely populated locations on the planet — an otherworldly spectacle reserved for the privileged few willing to face Antarctica's frozen remoteness.
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