Rare 'Ring of Fire' Solar Eclipse to Dazzle Antarctica

The first solar eclipse of 2026 will be visible only to a select few in the Antarctic region.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

The first solar eclipse of 2026 will be visible only to a select few in the Antarctic region. Known as an 'annular' eclipse, the moon will not fully cover the sun, leaving a bright 'ring of fire' visible around the moon's silhouette. While the eclipse will be visible across parts of South America, Africa, and Antarctica, the best views will be in the Antarctic, where scientists and adventurers have gathered to witness the rare celestial event.

Why it matters

Solar eclipses are relatively rare occurrences, with the last 'ring of fire' eclipse visible in Antarctica in 2003. This eclipse provides a unique opportunity for scientists to study the sun's corona and for adventurers to witness a stunning natural phenomenon in one of the most remote regions of the world.

The details

An annular solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes directly in front of the sun, but is too far away to completely cover the solar disk. This leaves a bright 'ring of fire' visible around the moon's silhouette. The eclipse will be visible across parts of South America, Africa, and Antarctica, but the best views will be in the Antarctic, where scientists and adventure tourists have gathered to witness the rare event.

  • The eclipse will occur on February 14, 2026.
  • The eclipse will be visible in Antarctica for approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.

The players

Antarctica

The southernmost continent, known for its extreme climate and remote location, where the eclipse will be best visible.

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What they’re saying

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness a stunning celestial event in one of the most remote and beautiful places on Earth.”

— Dr. Sarah Harding, Astrophysicist, University of Cambridge (myplainview.com)

What’s next

Scientists will use the eclipse to study the sun's corona and gather data that could help improve our understanding of solar activity and its impact on Earth.

The takeaway

The 'ring of fire' solar eclipse in Antarctica is a rare and remarkable event that will captivate scientists and adventurers alike, providing a unique opportunity to witness the wonders of the natural world in one of the most remote and inhospitable regions on the planet.