An annular solar eclipse changes the sun dramatically “Ring of Fire” on February 17thwhen the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, a thin outer ring of sunlight becomes visible. This impressive effect lasts up to 2 minutes and 20 seconds during the largest solar eclipses.
The solar eclipse progresses as follows. according to time and date:
- Partial solar eclipse begins — 4:56 a.m. ET (0956 GMT)
- Maximum “ring fire” period — 7:12 a.m. ET (12:12 GMT)
- Partial solar eclipse ends — 9:27 a.m. ET (14:27 GMT)
Only a very small region of Antarctica lies in a circular corridor approximately 2,661 miles long and 383 miles wide (4,282 × 616 kilometers). month It will cover about 96% of the solar disk. Viewers elsewhere in Antarctica, southern Africa and the southernmost regions of South America will see a partial solar eclipse rather than a full “ring of fire.”
What is an annular solar eclipse?
Be careful never to look directly at the sun. To safely view this eclipse, you should always use a solar filter. The danger is the same whether a partial solar eclipse or an annular solar eclipse occurs in your location. Observers must wear eclipse glasses and must always have a solar filter in front of their camera, telescope, or binocular lens.
our How to safely observe the sun This guide contains everything you need to know about safe solar observation. Get the latest eclipse news. solar eclipse live blog.
When will we next see a solar eclipse?
If you can’t wait that long, there’s another big event coming up in just a few weeks. above March 3, 2026 total lunar eclipse For skywatchers in North America, Australia, New Zealand, East Asia, and the Pacific Ocean, the moon turns blood red.