An annular solar eclipse, often called the “ring of fire,” is set to occur today, marking the first solar eclipse of 2026. During this rare astronomical event, the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun but appears slightly smaller in the sky, creating a striking ring of sunlight around its edges.
The eclipse occurs because the Moon is near apogee—the farthest point from Earth in its elliptical orbit—causing its apparent diameter to be about 97% of the Sun’s size. As a result, instead of completely covering the Sun, the Moon leaves a bright ring visible, producing the distinctive “ring of fire” effect.
The eclipse will unfold over several hours, with the partial phase beginning at 3:27 PM IST. The annular phase will start at 5:14 PM IST over Antarctica, reaching its maximum at 5:43 PM IST, when approximately 92.7% of the Sun will be obscured. The event will conclude at 7:58 PM IST. Notably, at Antarctica’s Concordia research station, the annular phase will last just over two minutes.
Where Will the Eclipse Be Visible?
The narrow path of annularity crosses only parts of Antarctica. A broader region—including the southern tips of Chile and Argentina, parts of South Africa, Mozambique, Madagascar, and several Indian Ocean islands—will witness a partial eclipse, with the Sun appearing slightly dimmed.
Globally, approximately 176 million people—about 2% of the world’s population—are expected to see at least a partial eclipse.
Will the Eclipse Be Visible in India?
In India, the eclipse will not be visible as the Sun will set before the event begins. However, astronomy organizations and platforms like TimeandDate will provide live coverage, allowing enthusiasts to observe the phenomenon virtually.
Experts caution against looking directly at the Sun without proper eclipse glasses certified with ISO 12312-2, as even a partial or annular eclipse can cause serious eye damage.
This eclipse is part of Saros cycle 121 and will be followed by a total lunar eclipse on March 3, 2026, offering skywatchers another thrilling astronomical event soon after.
