An annular solar eclipse will turn the sun into a spectacular “ring of fire” on February 17when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, leaving a thin outer ring of sunlight visible. This amazing effect will last up to 2 minutes and 20 seconds at the largest eclipse.
The eclipse will progress as follows, according to Time and Date:
- Partial eclipse begins: 4:56 am EST (0956 GMT)
- Maximum “ring of fire” annularity – 7:12 am EST (1212 GMT)
- Partial eclipse ends: 9:27 a.m. EST (1427 GMT)
Only a very small region of Antarctica lies on the path of annularity, a corridor approximately 2,661 miles long and 383 miles wide (4,282 by 616 kilometers) where the moon It will cover about 96% of the solar disk. Viewers elsewhere in Antarctica and in parts of southern Africa and the southern tip of South America will see a partial solar eclipse rather than a full “ring of fire.”
What is an annular solar eclipse?
a ring finger solar eclipse happens when the moon moves between Land and the sunbut it is too far from Earth to completely cover the solar disk. The smaller-looking moon leaves a bright outer ring of the sun, often called the “ring of fire,” visible during the maximum eclipse.
REMEMBER NEVER look directly at the sun. To view this solar eclipse safely, you must use solar filters at all times. Whether your location experiences a partial solar eclipse or an annular solar eclipse, the dangers are the same. Observers should wear solar eclipse glasses, and cameras, telescopes and binoculars should have solar filters placed in front of their lenses at all times.
Our how to observe the sun safely The guide tells you everything you need to know about safe solar observations. Stay up to date with the latest solar eclipse news with our solar eclipse live blog.
When can I see a solar eclipse next?
After February 17, the next solar eclipse will be a total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026. This total eclipse will be visible from parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain, with a partial eclipse seen in wider regions of Europe and Africa.
If you can’t wait that long, there will be another important event in a few weeks. In March 3, 2026, total lunar eclipse will color the moon blood red for skywatchers in North America, Australia, New Zealand, East Asia and the Pacific.