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Remote ‘Ring of Fire’ Solar Eclipse Sweeps Antarctica on Feb. 17

Only a handful of Antarctic research sites fall on the centerline, leaving livestreams the main way to watch.

Overview

  • The annular phase is confined to a narrow Antarctic track, producing a bright ring for up to about 2 minutes 20 seconds with roughly 96% solar coverage at peak.
  • Partial views will be visible across parts of southern Africa and southern Chile and Argentina, as well as over the surrounding Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans.
  • Key global timings reported place the event on Feb. 17 from about 07:01 UTC to 14:27 UTC, with the annular phase and peak occurring roughly between 11:42 and 12:12 UTC depending on location.
  • Very few people are expected to see the annular ring in person, with research stations such as Concordia and Mirny best placed along the path.
  • NASA and astronomy sites plan live coverage for global audiences, and viewers are advised to use ISO 12312-2 certified solar filters if observing locally.