Mark your calendars for February 17, 2026, as it heralds a spectacular event: the first solar eclipse of the year, which will take the form of an annular solar eclipse. This phenomenon is often referred to as the 'ring of fire,' a breathtaking sight that, unfortunately for many, will be witnessed by far more penguins than humans.
The path of this annularity stretches impressively across 2,661 miles (or 4,282 kilometers) and measures 383 miles (616 kilometers) in width. It will traverse through western Antarctica and skim along the picturesque coastline of the Davis Sea in the Southern Ocean, presenting a unique opportunity for those in the vicinity to experience this celestial event.
Understanding the Path of Annularity
As the eclipse unfolds, it will first rise over mainland Antarctica before making its way toward the coast of the Davis Sea, where observers will be able to see the elusive 'ring of fire.'
Witnessing the Partial Solar Eclipse
While the annular phase will be limited to a select few, a significantly larger number of people will have the chance to observe the partial stage of this eclipse. During this phase, the moon will appear to take a delectable 'bite' out of the sun, creating a captivating visual effect.
However, it’s crucial to emphasize that looking directly at the sun during any phase of the solar eclipse can be harmful to your eyes. Always ensure you are equipped with proper solar eclipse glasses, which are designed to protect your vision. For those interested in safe viewing practices, we recommend checking out our comprehensive guide on how to observe the sun safely.
Locations to Catch the Partial Eclipse
Here’s a list of some locations where viewers can expect to see varying percentages of the sun obscured during the eclipse:
- Heard and McDonald Islands, Australia: 88%
- French Southern and Antarctic Lands, France: 88%
- Mascarene Islands, Mauritius/France: 35%
- Port Louis, Mauritius: 32%
- Saint-Denis, Reunion, France: 31%
- Antananarivo, Madagascar: 20%
- Durban, South Africa: 16%
- Maputo, Mozambique: 13%
- Maseru, Lesotho: 11%
- Gaborone, Botswana: 4%
- Harare, Zimbabwe: 3%
- Ushuaia, Argentina: 3%
What’s Next?
Just two weeks later, on March 3-4, Earth will also host a total lunar eclipse, which is set to be another extraordinary celestial display. During this event, the Earth’s shadow will cast a striking blood-red hue over the moon, a phenomenon that will be visible for approximately 58 minutes across regions including western North America, Australia, New Zealand, and East Asia. Unlike the relatively small audience for the annular solar eclipse, nearly 31% of the global population, or about 2.5 billion individuals, will have the opportunity to witness the full spectacle of the blood moon.
Following the annular solar eclipse on February 17, the next occurrence will take place on February 6, 2027, with visibility from various locations including Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, and parts of Africa such as Côte d'Ivoire and Nigeria.
Daisy Dobrijevic, who joined Space.com in February 2022, has a rich background in space journalism, having previously contributed to All About Space magazine and completed an editorial internship with the BBC Sky at Night Magazine. With a PhD in plant physiology and a Master’s in Environmental Science, Daisy combines her scientific expertise with her passion for space, especially solar activity and astrotourism. Currently based in Nottingham, UK, she is enthusiastic about sharing her knowledge and love for all things cosmic.
