One week left for the ‘ring of fire’ eclipse: Where annular solar eclipse will be visible around the world

February 2026 Solar Eclipse (Image: Canva)

On 17 February 2026, an annular solar eclipse will create a striking “ring of fire” over remote parts of Antarctica, while partial phases appear in southern South America and southern Africa. The moon will cover about 96 percent of the sun, leaving a bright circular edge visible for just over two minutes. Though unseen in North America, the event is significant, linking to key lunar calendar dates and preceding a total lunar eclipse two weeks later.

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With one week remaining until 17 February 2026, attention is turning to a rare annular solar eclipse that will cast a bright “ring of fire” over Antarctica, while partial phases appear across parts of South America and southern Africa.

Skywatchers are preparing for a striking solar event. The annular eclipse occurs on 17 February 2026. It will peak above remote parts of Antarctica. Only two research stations lie within its path. The event is often called a ring of fire. That name reflects its glowing circular appearance. Most of the world will not see it. North America will miss this eclipse entirely. However, a related event soon follows.

What Is The Ring Of Fire Eclipse?

An annular solar eclipse happens when alignment is precise. The moon passes directly in front of the sun. Yet it sits too far from Earth. This distance makes the moon appear smaller. It cannot fully block the solar disc. Instead, a bright ring remains visible. Astronomers call this the annular phase. During this event, about 96 percent is covered. The ring may last up to 2 minutes 20 seconds. Even then, protective eclipse glasses remain essential.

The eclipse begins at 07:01 UTC. Maximum coverage occurs above Antarctica’s interior. Partial views appear near sunrise in Chile. Southern Argentina will also witness partial phases. Parts of South Africa may glimpse it. The visible path is relatively narrow. It stretches up to 759 kilometres wide. Most of it crosses empty Antarctic ice.

Who Will Witness Maximum Annularity?

Two research stations sit within the path. Concordia station lies on Dome C plateau. It is operated by European partners. Mirny station stands on the coast. It is run by Russia in Queen Mary Land. At Concordia, around 80 people stay in summer. Mirny hosts between 50 and 200 residents. From these bases, the sun forms a perfect ring.

What Does This New Moon Mean?

The new moon drives this eclipse event. It also carries cultural and calendar importance. This lunar phase sets calendars in motion. It marks the Chinese Year of the Fire Horse. A crescent moon appears on 18 February. That sighting signals the start of Ramadan.

Eclipses often arrive in close pairs. Two weeks later comes a total lunar eclipse. Unlike this event, North America will see it. Further ring of fire eclipses are planned. On 6 February 2027, several nations participate. These include Chile and Argentina in South America. West African countries will also fall within view. On 26 January 2028, Ecuador and Spain align. Another follows on 1 June 2030. That path crosses North Africa and Asia.