Ring of Fire Solar Eclipse to Wow Antarctica

Only a few will witness the celestial event in the southernmost continent

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The first solar eclipse of 2026 will be an annular or 'ring of fire' eclipse, visible only in Antarctica. While the penguins will have a front-row seat, a partial eclipse will also be seen in parts of South America, Africa, and the tip of Southeast Africa. Proper eclipse glasses are required to safely view the event.

Why it matters

Solar eclipses are rare celestial events that captivate people around the world. This particular eclipse will be visible only in Antarctica, home to research stations and diverse wildlife like penguins. It highlights the unique opportunities and challenges of observing astronomical phenomena in remote locations.

The details

During an annular eclipse, the moon is far enough away from Earth that it doesn't completely cover the sun, leaving a thin 'ring of fire' visible around the moon's silhouette. This eclipse will be visible across the southernmost continent, where only a handful of people and penguins will be able to witness it. A partial eclipse will also be seen in parts of South America, Africa, and the tip of Southeast Africa.

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

The players

Joe Llama

An astronomer with Lowell Observatory.

Emily Rice

An astrophysicist with the City University of New York.

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What they’re saying

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

— Joe Llama, Astronomer

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

— Emily Rice, Astrophysicist

What’s next

The next total solar eclipse visible in North America will occur on August 12, 2045, with a path of totality crossing the United States from Maine to California.

The takeaway

This rare 'ring of fire' eclipse in Antarctica highlights the unique opportunities and challenges of observing astronomical phenomena in remote locations. While only a few will witness the event in person, it serves as a reminder of the wonder and beauty of our solar system.