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Antarctic ‘Ring of Fire’ Eclipse on Feb. 17 Will Be Visible to Few

Visibility is confined to remote Antarctic sites, leaving most observers limited to a partial view.

Overview

  • Annularity tracks a narrow path over Antarctica, with Concordia expected to see about 2 minutes 01 seconds and Mirny about 1 minute 52 seconds.
  • At maximum, the annular phase lasts roughly 2 minutes 20 seconds with about 96% of the Sun obscured.
  • A broader partial eclipse will reach southeastern Africa, the southern tip of South America, and islands including Reunion, Mauritius and Heard Island.
  • In cities such as Durban, Antananarivo and Maputo, only a modest partial view of roughly 12% to 20% coverage is forecast.
  • Because the Sun remains exposed during an annular eclipse, certified solar viewers are required for all phases; the next major event is a total eclipse on Aug. 12, 2026 over parts of eastern Greenland, western Iceland and northern Spain.