Solar Eclipse 2026: First 'Ring of Fire' Eclipse on Feb 17; Key Timings, Visibility

• The first solar eclipse of 2026 will be an annular solar eclipse, occurring on February 17.
• An annular eclipse, also known as a 'ring of fire,' happens when the Moon is farthest from Earth, appearing smaller and not fully covering the Sun, leaving a bright ring.
• Approximately 96% of the Sun will be covered, with the 'ring of fire' visible for about two minutes and twenty seconds.
• The eclipse begins at 9:56 AM UTC (3:26 PM IST), with the annular phase starting at 11:42 AM UTC (5:12 PM IST) and peaking at 12:12 PM UTC (5:42 PM IST).
• Visible in parts of Antarctica, Argentina, South Africa, Chile, Namibia, Botswana, Madagascar, Mauritius, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe; not visible in India.

Why It Matters: The first solar eclipse of 2026 on February 17 will be an annular 'ring of fire' event, visible globally except India.