Antarctica to Witness Spectacular 'Ring of Fire' Eclipse on 17 February 2026, will other countries will be able to see as well?...

Antarctica to Witness Spectacular 'Ring of Fire' Eclipse on 17 February 2026

A striking annular solar eclipse, popularly known as the "ring of fire," is set to grace the skies over Antarctica on Tuesday, 17 February 2026. In this rare celestial event, the Moon will pass directly in front of the Sun but will not completely cover it, leaving a brilliant ring of sunlight visible around the lunar disk for up to 2 minutes and 20 seconds at maximum.

The path of annularity stretches approximately 4,282 kilometres long and 616 kilometres wide, crossing only the remote interior and western coastal regions of Antarctica before extending into the Davis Sea in the Southern Ocean. The greatest duration of the ring phase occurs near 64.7°S, 86.8°E.

Locations That Can See the Full Ring of Fire

The complete annular phase is visible exclusively within Antarctica itself. A small number of research stations lie inside or very close to the path of annularity and will experience the full ring:

- Concordia Station (French-Italian collaboration) – roughly 2 minutes 5 seconds of annularity with 92.5% of the Sun obscured  

- Certain coastal sites and other bases such as Casey Station may also catch at least part or all of the ring phase depending on exact position  

Very few people – primarily scientists overwintering at Antarctic bases and possibly a limited number of expedition cruise passengers positioned in the correct sector of the Southern Ocean – will witness the complete ring of fire. Local wildlife, including emperor and Adélie penguins, will share the view.

Partial Eclipse Visibility in Other Regions

A much larger partial eclipse will be observable from several landmasses and islands in the Southern Hemisphere. The Sun will appear with a varying bite taken out of it, ranging from a tiny notch to substantial coverage on some remote islands. Countries and territories from which at least some portion of the eclipse can be seen include:

South America  

- Chile (especially the southern tip, for example near Punta Arenas – maximum obscuration around 1.8%)  

- Argentina (southern regions)

Southern Africa and surrounding islands  

- South Africa (Cape Town approximately 5%, Durban around 16%, Johannesburg about 8%)  

- Lesotho  

- Eswatini  

- Namibia  

- Botswana  

- Mozambique  

- Zimbabwe  

- Malawi  

- Madagascar (up to roughly 20% in places)  

- Réunion  

- Mauritius  

- Mayotte  

- Comoros  

- Seychelles  

- French Southern and Antarctic Lands (including Île Amsterdam and the Kerguelen Islands)  

- British Indian Ocean Territory  

- South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands  

- Bouvet Island  

Scientific Interest and Viewing Notes

Researchers stationed in Antarctica are preparing instruments to record the temporary drop in sunlight, its influence on local temperatures, and any behavioural responses from wildlife during the brief darkening. For the handful of humans present, the sight of a golden ring suspended above the vast icy landscape will be an extraordinary and memorable experience.

For observers in Mumbai and elsewhere outside the listed regions, no part of this eclipse will be visible. Residents in the Southern Hemisphere locations mentioned above can view the partial phase safely using proper solar filters or certified eclipse glasses. Live streams from Antarctic research stations are expected to be available for global audiences wishing to follow the event in real time.

Clear skies over the Antarctic plateau are anticipated to offer excellent viewing conditions for those fortunate enough to be in the path of the ring.