Rare 'Ring of Fire' Solar Eclipse to Illuminate Skies This Week
The first solar eclipse of 2026 is set to captivate skywatchers this week, offering a stunning annular display known as the "ring of fire." This celestial phenomenon occurs when the Sun, Moon, and Earth align nearly perfectly, with the Moon passing directly in front of the Sun, obscuring its central disc and leaving a brilliant halo of light around the edges.
Timing and Visibility of the Eclipse
The annular eclipse will take place on Tuesday, February 17, beginning at 7:10 am. However, geography plays a crucial role in visibility, as only specific regions around the world will have the chance to witness this rare event. The path of annularity, where the full "ring of fire" effect is visible, will traverse western Antarctica, the Davis Sea coast, and the Southern Ocean.
Unfortunately, the eclipse will not be visible from the UK, limiting observers to a select few locations. According to experts, the alignment requires precise geographic pathways of the Moon's shadow, making it a fleeting spectacle for only those in certain areas.
Locations with Partial Eclipse Visibility
While the full annular eclipse is restricted to remote regions, a partial solar eclipse will be visible from several locations, with varying percentages of the Sun's disk covered. Key spots include:
- Heard and McDonald Islands, Australia - 88% coverage
- French Southern and Antarctic Lands, France - 88% coverage
- Mascarene Islands, Mauritius/France - 35% coverage
- Port Louis, Mauritius - 32% coverage
- Saint-Denis, Reunion, France - 31% coverage
- Antananarivo, Madagascar - 20% coverage
- Durban, South Africa - 16% coverage
- Maputo, Mozambique - 13% coverage
- Maseru, Lesotho - 11% coverage
- Gaborone, Botswana - 4% coverage
- Harare, Zimbabwe - 3% coverage
- Ushuaia, Argentina - 3% coverage
Upcoming Lunar Eclipse
Following Tuesday's solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse is scheduled for March 3-4. This event will turn the Moon a reddish hue, often referred to as a "Blood Moon," as the Earth passes between the Moon and Sun, casting its shadow onto the lunar surface. Solar eclipses remain rare and highly anticipated astronomical moments, drawing attention from enthusiasts worldwide.
