All articles tagged with #annular eclipse
A remote team at Antarctica’s Concordia Research Station witnessed a rare annular (ring-of-fire) solar eclipse on Feb. 17, 2026. With other bases like Mirny clouded out, photographer Andrea Traverso improvised a solar filter from mylar sheets and cardboard to lens, producing the only known Earth photo of the event, which was later shared by the European Space Agency.
Satellites from EUMETSAT, GEO-KOMPSAT-2A, and NOAA’s GOES-19 captured striking views of the Feb. 17 annular solar eclipse as the Moon’s shadow crossed Antarctica, highlighting the ring-of-fire and noting a total lunar eclipse will occur on March 3.
The year’s first solar eclipse is an annular “ring of fire” visible only from 13 locations along a narrow path that starts over western Antarctica and sweeps across the Davis Sea coastline and the Southern Ocean on Feb 17 at about 7:10am; the UK isn’t in the path, Antarctica watchers will see the full eclipse while other locations may witness partial views, and a lunar eclipse follows on March 3–4.
On Feb 17, 2025, the Moon is in the New Moon phase, leaving the sky dark, as an annular solar eclipse occurs—visible in full from Antarctica and as a partial eclipse in parts of South Africa; the next Full Moon is March 3, following the Feb 1 Full Moon.
In February 2026, an annular solar eclipse—the so-called ring of fire—will trace a narrow path over Antarctica, with a partial eclipse visible across the continent, Africa, and parts of South America. Concordia Station, Antarctica, is the prime viewing spot where annularity peaks around 7:47 p.m. local time, and the event will last about two hours overall. Since only a slim path shows the ring, many observers will rely on livestreams or safe viewing methods; eye protection with certified eclipse glasses is essential. The next annular eclipse is February 6, 2027, and the next U.S. viewing opportunity isn’t until 2039.
Space.com outlines what to expect during the February 17, 2026 annular solar eclipse, including the phased progression of the event and where it will be visible (notably in southern regions and Antarctica). Timings vary by location, so viewers should check their local window and follow eye-safety recommendations during any partial or annular phases.
A rare annular solar eclipse on Feb 17, 2026 will create a ring of fire across a 2,661-mile path over Antarctica, with annularity lasting 2 minutes at Concordia Station and 1 minute 52 seconds at Mirny Station; outside Antarctica, a partial eclipse will be visible in parts of southeastern Africa, southern South America, and nearby oceans, though weather and extreme cold could limit viewing opportunities.
On February 17, 2026, an annular solar eclipse will trace a 4,282 km path over Antarctica, creating a thin “ring of fire” as the Moon sits near apogee and covers about 96% of the Sun at maximum. Although scientifically valuable for studying solar irradiance and atmospheric changes, practical observation is severely limited by harsh weather, extreme remoteness, and restricted access at the few observing sites, meaning the event will be visible to only a small, mostly fixed-number of researchers rather than a broad public audience.
The annular solar eclipse on February 17, 2026, will create a 'ring of fire' visible only from a remote part of Antarctica, with limited opportunities for observation due to weather and accessibility. Partial views will be available in parts of Antarctica, southern Africa, and South America. The event's rarity and location make it a unique but challenging spectacle to witness.
The next solar eclipse, an "annular" one, is set to occur on October 2, 2024, passing over parts of the Pacific Ocean, southern Chile, and southern Argentina. This eclipse will create a "ring of fire" effect, with about 93% of the sun being blocked by the moon. The best viewing locations include Rapa Nui/Easter Island, Chile, and Argentina. However, the chances of clear skies vary across these areas. After October 2024, the next annular solar eclipse will occur on February 17, 2026, in Antarctica.
NASA's Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) captured a unique view of the recent annular eclipse from Earth's orbit. Unlike a total solar eclipse, an annular eclipse occurs when the Moon is at its maximum distance from Earth, resulting in a "ring of fire" effect where the Sun's outer limb is still visible. The DSCOVR mission's Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera (EPIC) captured the shadow sweeping across the United States, providing a different perspective of the event. More eclipses are expected in the coming months, including a lunar eclipse on October 28th and a major solar eclipse on April 8th.
NASA's EPIC imager aboard the Deep Space Climate Observatory captured a stunning image of the Moon's shadow cast on Earth during the annular solar eclipse on October 14, 2023. The eclipse, visible across the United States, Mexico, and parts of Central and South America, created a "ring of fire" effect as the Moon blocked the Sun's rays but was too far from Earth to completely obscure it. The image shows the Moon's shadow falling across the southeastern coast of Texas, near Corpus Christi. The next annular solar eclipse visible from the United States will be on June 21, 2039.
Photographers across the Americas captured mesmerizing moments of the annular solar eclipse that occurred on October 14. Despite clouds in some areas, the "ring of fire" effect was visible as the Moon partially obscured the Sun, leaving a bright outer ring of sunlight. The eclipse was seen in various countries, including the United States, Mexico, and Brazil. Ancient civilizations often interpreted eclipses as omens or the wrath of the gods. Safety precautions, such as using certified solar eclipse glasses or filters, were emphasized for viewers.
Americans witnessed a "ring of fire" annular eclipse on Saturday, and some captured fascinating "eclipse shadows" naturally projected onto the ground. These projections can be seen by creating a pinhole camera or through gaps in the light between leaves of trees. The phenomenon occurs when light passes through a small hole, creating a projection of the eclipse on a surface below. This provides a safe way to view the eclipse without damaging the eyes.
An annular solar eclipse captivated skywatchers across the Americas, offering a stunning "ring of fire" effect. The eclipse was visible in several U.S. states and countries in Central and South America, attracting millions of spectators. Many captured breathtaking photos of the event, showcasing the various stages of the eclipse. National parks, such as Capitol Reef National Park in Utah, opened their doors to eclipse chasers. Merchandise related to the eclipse was also available. The next solar eclipse, a total solar eclipse, is set to occur on April 8, 2024.