Annular Solar Eclipse Visible in Antarctica February 17

On February 17, 2026, the first solar eclipse of the year will occur as an annular event, creating a striking "ring of fire" effect visible primarily across remote regions of Antarctica. This celestial phenomenon, where the moon passes between the Earth and sun but appears too small to fully obscure the sun's disk, will unfold over the southernmost continent, offering a rare spectacle to researchers and wildlife alike in one of Earth's least accessible areas.

The eclipse begins at 9:56 UTC and reaches maximum coverage at 12:12 UTC, lasting until 7:57 UTC. During annularity, the moon's shadow will trace a path approximately 2,661 miles long and 383 miles wide through western Antarctica, crossing the icy mainland before setting over the Davis Sea in the Southern Ocean. Astronomers note that clear skies will be essential for viewing, though the region's harsh weather could limit observations. "The penguins down there are going to have a great show," said Joe Llama, an astronomer at Lowell Observatory.

Partial phases of the eclipse, where the moon appears to take a bite out of the sun, will be observable from a wider area, including the southern tips of Chile and Argentina, such as...