An annular solar eclipse was photographed by the Solar Optical Telescope Hinode as it passed between the Moon and the Sun. (Image credit: JAXA/NASA) The first major astronomical event of 2026 will light up the sky this month with a dramatic annular solar eclipse, often referred to as the ‘Ring of Fire’, set to occur on Tuesday, February 17. The annular solar eclipse will be visible mainly from Antarctica, where there are two scientific research stations.

It will reportedly begin at 07:01 UTC (12:31 pm India time) on Tuesday. Apart from the snowy continent, partial phases of the eclipse are expected to be visible after sunrise in parts of Argentina and South Africa.

However, it will probably remain invisible to the rest of the world, including India. The next annular solar eclipse will reportedly occur in February 2027, with the ‘Ring of Fire’ expected to be visible in Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin and Nigeria.