First Solar Eclipse of 2026 to Grace Antarctica

Penguins and researchers in the southernmost continent will witness the 'ring of fire' eclipse

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The first solar eclipse of 2026 will be visible only in Antarctica, where research stations and diverse wildlife like penguins will get to witness the 'ring of fire' annular eclipse on Tuesday. While the full eclipse will only be seen in Antarctica, a partial eclipse will also be visible from the tips of Chile and Argentina, as well as parts of southeastern Africa.

Why it matters

Solar eclipses are rare celestial events that captivate skygazers around the world. This particular eclipse will be visible only from the remote continent of Antarctica, providing a unique opportunity for researchers and the local wildlife to observe the phenomenon.

The details

During an annular solar eclipse, the moon is far enough away from Earth that it does not completely cover the sun, leaving a thin 'ring of fire' visible around the moon's silhouette. Astronomer Joe Llama from Lowell Observatory said 'the penguins down there are going to have a great show' as they witness this rare event.

  • The annular solar eclipse will occur on Tuesday, February 13, 2026.

The players

Joe Llama

An astronomer with Lowell Observatory who commented on the penguins in Antarctica witnessing the eclipse.

Emily Rice

An astrophysicist with the City University of New York who explained the 'beautiful coincidence' between the size and distance of the moon and sun that allows solar eclipses to occur.

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What they’re saying

“The penguins down there are going to have a great show.”

— Joe Llama, Astronomer, Lowell Observatory (nypost.com)

“It's this beautiful coincidence between the size and the distance of the moon and the sun.”

— Emily Rice, Astrophysicist, City University of New York (nypost.com)

What’s next

There is a total solar eclipse scheduled for August 2026 that will be visible from Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia, and parts of Portugal. Swaths of Europe, Africa, and North America will also see a partial eclipse during this event.

The takeaway

This rare solar eclipse in Antarctica highlights the unique opportunities for scientific observation and wildlife viewing that the continent provides. While only accessible to a select few, the event underscores the wonder of these celestial phenomena and the continuous efforts of astronomers to study and share them with the world.