Annular Solar Eclipse February 2026: Where & How to Watch

On February 17, 2026, the sky will put on one of nature's most breathtaking performances: an annular solar eclipse. Unlike a total solar eclipse, where the Moon completely blots out the Sun, an annular eclipse creates a dazzling "ring of fire" effect—a luminous halo of sunlight surrounding the dark silhouette of the Moon. This happens because the Moon will be near its apogee (its farthest point from Earth), making it appear slightly smaller than the Sun and unable to cover it entirely. The result is a spectacular, otherworldly sight that has captivated humanity for millennia and will draw sky-watchers, scientists, photographers, and curious onlookers to specific regions of the globe in February 2026. Whether you're a seasoned eclipse chaser or a first-time observer, this event is one you absolutely don't want to miss.

What Is an Annular Solar Eclipse?

To fully appreciate the February 2026 event, it helps to understand exactly what makes an annular solar eclipse different from other types of solar eclipses. Solar eclipses occur when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, casting a shadow on Earth's surface. There are three main types: total, partial, and annular.

During a total solar eclipse, the Moon is close enough to Earth (near perigee) that it appears large enough to completely cover the Sun's disk, plunging observers in the path of totality into sudden darkness and revealing the Sun's corona. During a partial solar eclipse, only a portion of the Sun is obscured, creating a crescent shape. During an annular solar eclipse, the Moon is too far from Earth to cover the Sun entirely, leaving a bright ring—or annulus—of sunlight visible around the Moon's edges.

The word "annular" comes from the Latin annulus, meaning "ring." This ring of fire is visible only to observers within the narrow path of annularity, a corridor typically between 100 and 200 kilometers wide that sweeps across Earth's surface as the Moon's shadow moves. Outside this path, observers see a partial eclipse. The February 17, 2026 eclipse will trace a path across parts of South America and the southern Atlantic Ocean, making it a particularly exciting event for observers in that region.

Historical Background: Eclipses Through the Ages

Humans have been observing, recording, and interpreting solar eclipses for thousands of years. The earliest known record of a solar eclipse dates back to around 2136 BCE in ancient China, where court astronomers were reportedly executed for failing to predict one. Ancient Babylonian astronomers developed the Saros cycle—a period of approximately 18 years, 11 days, and 8 hours—which allowed them to predict eclipses with remarkable accuracy. This same Saros cycle (Saros 121) governs the February 17, 2026 annular eclipse.

In ancient Mesopotamia, eclipses were considered powerful omens, often associated with the fate of kings and kingdoms. The Assyrians developed elaborate rituals to protect their rulers during eclipses, including the practice of placing a substitute king on the throne for the duration of the event. In ancient Egypt, solar eclipses were interpreted as battles between the Sun god Ra and the serpent Apophis, who sought to swallow Ra during his daily journey across the sky.

Greek philosophers and astronomers made significant strides in understanding eclipses scientifically. Thales of Miletus is credited with predicting a solar eclipse in 585 BCE that supposedly halted a battle between the Lydians and the Medes. Hipparchus used eclipse observations to calculate the distance between the Earth and the Moon with surprising precision. Later, Ptolemy incorporated eclipse data into his geocentric model of the cosmos.

The annular eclipse of February 2026 belongs to Saros Series 121, which began on May 22, 1060, and will continue until July 2322. Each eclipse in a Saros series is separated by 18 years, 11 days, and 8 hours, and each successive eclipse shifts westward by approximately 120 degrees of longitude. Tracking these series allows astronomers to predict eclipses centuries in advance.

Cultural Significance: The Ring of Fire in Human Mythology

Across cultures and centuries, the "ring of fire" created by annular solar eclipses has held profound symbolic meaning. In many indigenous traditions of South America—the region most prominently in the path of the 2026 eclipse—solar phenomena were deeply woven into religious and agricultural life.

The Inca civilization, which dominated much of western South America before European contact, worshipped Inti, the Sun god, as one of their most important deities. The Inca emperor (Sapa Inca) was considered the son of Inti, and solar eclipses were interpreted as moments of divine communication or warning. Priests would perform elaborate rituals during eclipses, including offerings of food, chicha (fermented maize beer), and sometimes animals, to appease the Sun and ensure its return.

In Andean folk traditions that persist to this day, solar eclipses are sometimes called "Inti Raymi" moments—echoing the great festival of the Sun celebrated at the winter solstice. Communities may gather, sing, and pray during an eclipse, viewing it as a time of spiritual power and renewal rather than fear.

In African cultures, particularly in sub-Saharan regions, solar eclipses were often interpreted as cosmic battles or as the Sun "resting." Communities would make loud noises—beating drums, shouting, or banging pots—to "help" the Sun return to its full brightness. Similar traditions existed in parts of Asia and among various Indigenous North American peoples.

In the modern era, the cultural significance of eclipses has shifted from omen to celebration. Eclipse events now draw international communities of sky-watchers who gather in the path of annularity to share the experience, blending scientific curiosity with a sense of collective wonder that transcends cultural boundaries.

The Path of the 2026 Annular Eclipse: Where to Watch

The path of annularity for the February 17, 2026 eclipse will sweep primarily across South America and the southern Atlantic Ocean. Here's a detailed breakdown of where the ring of fire will be visible:

South America

The eclipse's path of annularity will cross through portions of southern Brazil, Uruguay, and potentially parts of Argentina and Paraguay, depending on the precise orbital calculations finalized closer to the event. Cities and regions within this corridor will experience the full ring of fire effect, with the annular phase lasting anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes depending on proximity to the centerline.

• Southern Brazil: States such as Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina may fall within or near the path of annularity. Cities like Porto Alegre could be prime viewing locations.
• Uruguay: Much of Uruguay may experience the annular phase, making Montevideo and surrounding areas excellent viewing destinations.
• Argentina: Northern Patagonia and parts of the Argentine pampas may also lie within the path.

Partial Eclipse Visibility

A much larger region will experience a partial solar eclipse, where the Moon covers only a portion of the Sun. This includes most of South America, the southern Atlantic Ocean, and parts of Antarctica. Even a partial eclipse is a remarkable sight, with the Sun appearing as a crescent in the sky.

Planning Your Viewing Location

If you're serious about witnessing the ring of fire, location is everything. Eclipse chasers recommend:

• Positioning yourself as close to the centerline of the path as possible to maximize the duration of the annular phase.
• Choosing a location with historically clear skies in mid-February, as cloud cover is the eclipse chaser's greatest enemy.
• Booking accommodations early, as hotels and guesthouses in the path of annularity fill up months in advance.
• Checking updated eclipse maps from NASA, the International Astronomical Union (IAU), or dedicated eclipse-tracking websites as the date approaches for refined path data.

How to Safely Watch the Annular Solar Eclipse

This cannot be stressed enough: you must never look directly at the Sun without proper eye protection, even during an annular eclipse. Unlike a total solar eclipse, the Sun is never completely covered during an annular eclipse, meaning the full intensity of solar radiation remains dangerous throughout the event. Looking at the Sun without protection—even for a few seconds—can cause permanent retinal damage or blindness.

Safe Viewing Methods

• Eclipse glasses: Use glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard. These are widely available from astronomy stores, science museums, and reputable online retailers. Make sure to purchase them well in advance, as demand surges before major eclipse events.
• Solar filters for telescopes and binoculars: If you plan to use optical equipment, ensure it is fitted with a certified solar filter over the front of the lens—never at the eyepiece end.
• Pinhole projectors: A simple and safe method for indirect viewing. Punch a small hole in a piece of cardboard and hold it up so sunlight passes through the hole and projects an image of the Sun onto a surface below. You can also use a colander, a piece of lace, or even interlaced fingers to create multiple pinhole projections.
• Solar telescopes: Dedicated solar telescopes with built-in hydrogen-alpha filters provide stunning views of the Sun's surface and are safe for direct viewing.

What You'll See

During the annular phase, observers in the path of annularity will witness:

1. First contact: The Moon's disk begins to move over the Sun's edge—the eclipse begins.
2. Second contact (annularity begins): The Moon is fully within the Sun's disk, and the ring of fire appears.
3. Maximum eclipse: The Moon is perfectly centered within the Sun, and the ring is at its most symmetrical and brilliant.
4. Third contact (annularity ends): The Moon begins to move off the Sun's disk.
5. Fourth contact: The eclipse ends as the Moon fully clears the Sun.

During annularity, the sky will darken noticeably but not to the degree seen during a total eclipse. Animals may exhibit unusual behavior—birds may roost, and nocturnal insects may briefly become active. Temperatures may drop slightly. The "ring of fire" itself is intensely bright and mesmerizing.

Interesting Facts and Statistics About the 2026 Eclipse

• The February 17, 2026 eclipse belongs to Saros Series 121, which has produced eclipses since 1060 CE.
• Annular eclipses occur roughly every 1-2 years somewhere on Earth, but the path of annularity is narrow, making any given location's chance of experiencing one relatively rare.
• The Moon's apparent diameter during this eclipse will be slightly smaller than the Sun's, creating the annular effect—the Moon will cover approximately 95-97% of the Sun's diameter.
• The path of annularity is typically between 100 and 200 kilometers wide, meaning precise positioning matters enormously.
• Eclipse chasers—people who travel specifically to witness eclipses—number in the tens of thousands worldwide, and major eclipses generate significant economic activity in host regions.
• The next annular solar eclipse visible from South America after February 2026 will not occur for several years, making this event particularly precious for observers in the region.

Practical Information: Dates, Times, and What to Expect

Date: February 17, 2026

Type: Annular Solar Eclipse

Primary Viewing Region: South America (southern Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina), southern Atlantic Ocean

Key Times (approximate, in local time for South America — check updated resources for precise local times):

• The eclipse will begin in the late morning to midday hours for most South American observers, with the exact timing depending on your specific location.
• The annular phase will last anywhere from under a minute to several minutes depending on proximity to the centerline.
• The entire event (from first to fourth contact) will span approximately 2-3 hours.

Weather Considerations: February is midsummer in the Southern Hemisphere, which generally means warmer temperatures but also the possibility of afternoon thunderstorms in tropical and subtropical regions. Research historical cloud cover data for your chosen viewing location and have a backup plan.

Travel Tips:

• Book flights and accommodations at least 6-12 months in advance.
• Consider joining an organized eclipse tour for expert guidance and pre-selected viewing sites.
• Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water—you'll likely be outdoors for several hours.
• Download offline maps and eclipse timing apps in case of limited internet connectivity at your viewing site.

Modern Relevance: Science, Photography, and Community

In the 21st century, solar eclipses are not just cultural events—they are also valuable opportunities for scientific research. During annular eclipses, scientists study the Sun's chromosphere and inner corona, which are briefly more accessible to observation. Amateur astronomers contribute to citizen science projects by timing the eclipse's contacts, measuring temperature changes, and documenting animal behavior.

Astrophotography has transformed eclipse watching into an art form. The ring of fire is one of the most photogenic astronomical phenomena, and photographers travel thousands of miles to capture it. If you plan to photograph the eclipse, practice with your equipment beforehand, use a solar filter for all shots before and after annularity, and consider using a tracking mount to keep the Sun centered in your frame.

Online communities and live streams have democratized eclipse watching. If you can't travel to the path of annularity, organizations like NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and numerous astronomy clubs will broadcast live streams of the event. Social media will be flooded with real-time images and videos, creating a global shared experience.

Eclipse festivals and public events are increasingly common. Planetariums, science museums, universities, and astronomy clubs in South America and beyond are likely to organize viewing parties, lectures, and educational programs around the February 17, 2026 event. Check with local astronomy organizations in your area for planned activities.

Regional Traditions and Unique Celebrations

In Brazil, astronomy clubs and universities are expected to organize large public viewing events, particularly in cities like Porto Alegre, Florianópolis, and Curitiba. Brazil has a vibrant amateur astronomy community, and eclipse events often draw thousands of participants to public parks and plazas.

In Uruguay, the capital Montevideo may host official viewing events coordinated by the national observatory and educational institutions. The country's compact size makes it an ideal destination for eclipse tourists, with good infrastructure and a welcoming culture.

In Argentina, eclipse tourism has grown significantly following the spectacular total solar eclipses that crossed Patagonia in 2019 and 2020. Local communities in the path of the 2026 annular eclipse are likely to organize festivals, markets, and cultural events to welcome visitors.

Across the region, the eclipse may also intersect with Carnival season, as February is traditionally the time of Carnival celebrations in Brazil and Uruguay. The combination of Carnival festivities and an annular eclipse could make February 2026 an extraordinarily vibrant time to visit South America.

Conclusion: Mark Your Calendar for February 17, 2026

The annular solar eclipse of February 17, 2026 is more than an astronomical event—it is a reminder of our place in the cosmos, a link to thousands of years of human wonder and inquiry, and an invitation to come together in shared awe of the natural world. Whether you travel to South America to stand in the path of annularity and witness the ring of fire firsthand, or watch a live stream from the comfort of your home, this eclipse offers a profound opportunity to connect with the universe and with each other.

Start planning now. Research the path of annularity, order your eclipse glasses, book your travel, and mark February 17, 2026 in bold on your calendar. The Moon and Sun will align in a celestial dance that has been choreographed by the laws of physics for billions of years—and for a few precious minutes, the ring of fire will grace the skies over South America, just as it has graced the skies of countless civilizations before us.

The universe is putting on a show. Make sure you have a front-row seat.