Ring of Fire solar eclipse Antarctica Tuesday: Where to see
TOI GLOBAL DESK | TOI GLOBAL | Feb 14, 2026, 00:11 IST
An extraordinary ring of fire solar eclipse is set to dazzle viewers in Antarctica this Tuesday. This phenomenon happens when the moon doesn't fully cover the sun, creating a stunning halo effect. For those in Chile, Argentina, and southeastern Africa, there will be opportunities to witness partial phases of this celestial show.
A rare "ring of fire" solar eclipse will be visible in Antarctica on Tuesday, offering a spectacular celestial event for a select few. This annular eclipse occurs when the moon is farther from Earth in its orbit, failing to completely obscure the sun and leaving a luminous ring. While Antarctica will witness the full spectacle, partial views will be available in parts of Chile, Argentina, and southeastern Africa, including Madagascar, Lesotho, and South Africa.
The moon moves in front of the sun during an annular solar eclipse, or ring of fire, seen from San Antonio, on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023.
This celestial alignment, where the sun, moon, and Earth line up, creates a shadow that can partially or totally block the sun's light. It is described as "this beautiful coincidence between the size and the distance of the moon and the sun."
During an annular eclipse, the moon's greater distance from Earth means it does not entirely cover the sun. A thin sliver of the sun remains visible.
"The sun essentially gets its core taken out," said astronomer Joe Llama with Lowell Observatory.
Solar eclipses occur a few times each year, but their visibility is limited to areas within the path of the moon's shadow. Last year saw two partial eclipses, and the last total solar eclipse occurred on April 8, 2024.
Looking directly at the sun during any phase of an eclipse is dangerous, even when most of it is covered. It is essential to use eclipse glasses that block ultraviolet light and nearly all visible light. Regular sunglasses and binoculars are not sufficient for safe viewing.
Eclipse glasses should meet ISO 12312-2 standards, although caution is advised as fake suppliers may also claim compliance. Safe indirect viewing methods include creating a pinhole projector using household materials. Another indirect method involves holding up a colander or cheese grater to the sky and observing the projected images of the eclipse on the ground.
"The penguins down there are going to have a great show," said astronomer Joe Llama with Lowell Observatory.
Clear skies are a prerequisite for observing the eclipse, whether in Antarctica or the partial viewing areas. The event in Antarctica is particularly unique due to its remote location and the presence of wildlife.
The next total solar eclipse is anticipated in August, with visibility for skygazers in Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia, and parts of Portugal. Swaths of Europe, Africa, and North America will experience a partial eclipse during this upcoming event.
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Ramakrishnan is a science reporter for The Associated Press, based in New York. She covers research and new developments related to space, early human history and more.
The moon moves in front of the sun during an annular solar eclipse, or ring of fire, seen from San Antonio, on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023.
This celestial alignment, where the sun, moon, and Earth line up, creates a shadow that can partially or totally block the sun's light. It is described as "this beautiful coincidence between the size and the distance of the moon and the sun."
During an annular eclipse, the moon's greater distance from Earth means it does not entirely cover the sun. A thin sliver of the sun remains visible.
"The sun essentially gets its core taken out," said astronomer Joe Llama with Lowell Observatory.
Solar eclipses occur a few times each year, but their visibility is limited to areas within the path of the moon's shadow. Last year saw two partial eclipses, and the last total solar eclipse occurred on April 8, 2024.
Looking directly at the sun during any phase of an eclipse is dangerous, even when most of it is covered. It is essential to use eclipse glasses that block ultraviolet light and nearly all visible light. Regular sunglasses and binoculars are not sufficient for safe viewing.
Eclipse glasses should meet ISO 12312-2 standards, although caution is advised as fake suppliers may also claim compliance. Safe indirect viewing methods include creating a pinhole projector using household materials. Another indirect method involves holding up a colander or cheese grater to the sky and observing the projected images of the eclipse on the ground.
"The penguins down there are going to have a great show," said astronomer Joe Llama with Lowell Observatory.
Clear skies are a prerequisite for observing the eclipse, whether in Antarctica or the partial viewing areas. The event in Antarctica is particularly unique due to its remote location and the presence of wildlife.
The next total solar eclipse is anticipated in August, with visibility for skygazers in Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia, and parts of Portugal. Swaths of Europe, Africa, and North America will experience a partial eclipse during this upcoming event.
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Ramakrishnan is a science reporter for The Associated Press, based in New York. She covers research and new developments related to space, early human history and more.