This month's new moon brings an annular (or "ring of fire") solar eclipse, but it will only be visible from parts of Antarctica.

Early on Tuesday, Feb. 26, a rare annular solar eclipse created a “ring of fire” over Antarctica, while South Africa and Indian Ocean locations saw partial phases.

A spectacular 'ring of fire' annular solar eclipse will occur on Feb. 17, but only 13 locations around the world will witness this rare astronomical phenomenon

Annular solar eclipse on February 17, 2026: exact times of partial phases and peak ring of fire, visibility areas, path of annularity, and upcoming eclipse dates.

A “ring of fire” solar eclipse will be visible on Tuesday, with the best views in Antarctica and partial eclipse views in Africa and South America.

This celestial event, famously dubbed a “ring of fire,” occurs when the earth, sun, and moon reach a state of perfect alignment. During this process, the Moon passes directly between the sun and our planet, casting a distinct shadow across the earth's surface.

The first eclipse of 2026 will be an annular solar eclipse, leaving a glowing outer ring of fire around the moon

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On February 17, 2026, the world is witnessing an annular solar eclipse, the first solar eclipse of the year. In this type of eclipse, the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun but is too far from Earth to completely block the Sun. As a result, a bright ring of sunlight remains visible around the Moon’s silhouette.