Rare “Ring of Fire” Solar Eclipse Lights Up Southern Skies On Tuesday

A rare solar eclipse is set to dazzle the Southern Hemisphere on Tuesday, February 17. Only a few lucky locations will witness the event in person. Most of the world will miss it entirely.

In South Africa, cities such as Cape Town and Durban will see the Moon partially cover the Sun. Some areas in Zimbabwe and Tanzania will also catch a glimpse. Observers in southern Argentina and southern Chile will see part of the eclipse. Other continents, including Asia, Europe, North America, and India, will not see the phenomenon.

The eclipse will start at 09:56 UTC (12:56 PM local time in affected areas) and peak at 12:12 UTC (3:12 PM). The full event will last several hours, although the timing varies depending on location.

This is an annular solar eclipse, commonly called a “Ring of Fire.” During an annular eclipse, the Moon is slightly farther from Earth. It appears smaller than the Sun and does not fully cover it. Instead, a bright ring of sunlight surrounds the Moon, creating the striking “Ring of Fire” effect. The sky will darken slightly, but sunlight will still shine around the edges.

Experts warn never to look at the Sun without proper eye protection. Special eclipse glasses or solar filters are required. Ordinary sunglasses do not provide sufficient protection.

For those in remote parts of Antarctica, the annular eclipse will be visible for about two minutes. The maximum view will last roughly 2 minutes and 20 seconds, depending on the exact location. Live streaming of the eclipse is limited due to its remote location, but coverage will be available through EarthSky’s YouTube channel and other astronomy websites.

Astronomers say this is a rare opportunity to witness one of nature’s most spectacular celestial events. For viewers who miss it, more eclipses are coming in 2026 and 2027, including a total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, visible from Greenland, and a 2027 annular eclipse over southern Chile and Argentina.

For lucky observers in the Southern Hemisphere, February 17 promises a breathtaking display of the Moon and Sun aligned in the sky. The “Ring of Fire” is a spectacular reminder of the beauty and precision of the cosmos.