Ring of Fire Solar Eclipse 2026 Concludes: Southern Hemisphere Witnesses Celestial Spectacle

• The first solar eclipse of 2026, an annular eclipse or "ring of fire," concluded today, visible in parts of the Southern Hemisphere.
• During this event, the Moon appeared smaller due to its farthest point from Earth (apogee), creating a luminous halo around the Sun.
• The partial eclipse began at 3:27 PM IST, with the annular phase starting at 5:14 PM IST over Antarctica, reaching its maximum at 5:43 PM IST.
• The solar eclipse was not visible in India as the Sun had set before the eclipse began from the Indian subcontinent.
• Future major celestial events in 2026 include an annular solar eclipse on January 26, a total solar eclipse on August 12, and a total lunar eclipse on March 3.