Annular Solar Eclipse Time, Date: When And Where To Watch ‘Ring of Fire’ In 2026? Know Details

Annular Solar Eclipse Time, Date: One of the most awaited celestial events of the year 2026 is all set to occur in the second half of February. An annular solar eclipse, also known as the 'Ring of Fire' eclipse, occurs when the moon completely blocks the path between the Sun and the Earth. However, the moon doesn't cover the Sun completely.

For all the enthusiastic skygazers waiting to know more about the annual solar eclipse, here are all the details to know about the celestial event.

Annular Solar Eclipse Date 2026

The first Solar Eclipse of the year 2026 will be an annular eclipse on 17 February 2026. The celestial event will appear to create a 'ring of fire' effect.

What Happens During an Annular Solar Eclipse?

During an annular solar eclipse, the moon is slightly farther from Earth, hence it appears slightly smaller and does not fully cover the Sun. The mismatch in size due to distance leaves a sharp circle of sunlight around the dark lunar disc.

On 17 February, the full annular Solar Eclipse 2026 will mainly pass above Antarctica and parts of the Southern Ocean. Observers along this narrow track can see the bright ring clearly. Regions in southern South America and Southern Africa are expected to witness only a partial eclipse, with the Moon covering just part of the Sun's face.

Annular Solar Eclipse Date 2026 Time

The annular solar eclipse will begin at 9:56 UTC (3:26 pm in Mumbai) on February 17, according to Time and Date. The full eclipse will be visible on Earth from 11:42:54 UTC (5:12 pm in Mumbai), and the eclipse will reach at its peak at 12:12:04 UTC (5:42 pm in Mumbai). The full eclipse will end at 12:41:29 UTC (at 6:11 pm on Feb 17).

Annular Solar Eclipse 2026: Will It Be Visible in India?

The annular solar eclipse of 2026 will not be visible in India, as per the Time and Date website. The celestial event can be spotted from countries like Antarctica, Argentina, Botswana, Chile, Mauritius, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia, etc.

Solar Eclipse In 2026

A total Solar Eclipse 2026 will take place on 12 August 2026, when the Moon completely blocks the Sun for a short time. Along the path of totality, daylight briefly dims to twilight, and stars and planets can appear, creating one of nature's most dramatic sky scenes.
The path of totality for the 12 August Solar Eclipse 2026 will cross Greenland, Iceland, and parts of northern Spain, drawing travellers and local observers to these areas. Larger sections of Europe, including Portugal, and parts of Canada will see a partial eclipse only. India lies outside the visibility zones for both the total and partial phases.