February 2026 Solar Eclipse: ‘Ring of Fire’ Over Antarctica, Partial in South Africa
The annular solar eclipse scheduled for February 2026, known as the “Ring of Fire,” is an astronomical event that will capture the attention of sky-gazers worldwide. This phenomenon occurs when the moon moves directly between the Earth and the sun, yet remains too far away to entirely cover the sun’s surface.
Details of the February 2026 Solar Eclipse
- Date: February 2026
- Type: Annular Solar Eclipse (Ring of Fire)
- Visibility: Primarily Antarctica; partial visibility in South Africa and South America
- Next Annular Eclipse: February 6, 2027
- Next Eclipse in the USA: 2039
Eclipse Path and Timing
The eclipse will predominantly be observable from a small area in Antarctica. Specifically, the best views will be at Concordia Station, where the event will start at 6:48 p.m. local time and peak at 7:47 p.m. local time. This annular eclipse will last approximately two hours.
Partial views of the eclipse will also be available across South Africa, parts of South America, and the rest of Antarctica. In Argentina and Chile, observers can expect partial visibility beginning around 7 a.m. local time.
Understanding the Eclipse
During an annular solar eclipse, around 80% of the sun will be obscured by the moon. The resulting view is striking, creating a “ring of fire” appearance. Observers may notice peculiar shadows and diminishing light as the moon approaches its peak coverage.
It’s essential for observers to use specialized solar viewing glasses or filters during the eclipse to protect their eyesight. Normal sunglasses are not sufficient for safely viewing the sun during this celestial event.
Upcoming Astronomical Events in 2026
February 2026 will be a vibrant month for astronomy enthusiasts. Following the annular eclipse, a total lunar eclipse is expected on March 3, casting a red hue on the moon, known as the “Blood Moon.” This will be the last total lunar eclipse visible from North America until 2028.
Additionally, several meteor showers will occur throughout the year, including:
| Meteor Shower | Peak Dates |
|---|---|
| Lyrids | April 21-22 |
| Eta Aquariids | May 5-6 |
| Southern Delta Aquariids | July 30-31 |
| Perseids | August 12-13 |
| Orionids | October 21-22 |
| Geminids | December 13-14 |
Mark your calendars for these events, as 2026 promises to be an exciting year for sky-gazing enthusiasts at El-Balad.
