An annular solar eclipse will occur on February 17, 2026 and will produce the phenomenon known as the ring of fire. The event happens when Lua is positioned between Terra and Sol, but does not completely cover the solar disk due to its greater distance from Terra. Esse alignment leaves a luminous ring visible around the lunar silhouette.
The peak of the eclipse is scheduled for 2:42 pm Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). The annular phase will last up to 2 minutes and 19 seconds at specific points on the trajectory. The phenomenon coincides with the period immediately before the start of Ramadan in 2026, scheduled for February 18 in several regions.
Observers in remote areas will have the best visibility of the entire phase. Transmissões live will allow global monitoring of the astronomical event.
What characterizes the annular eclipse
The annular eclipse differs from the total one because the Lua appears smaller in the sky in relation to the Sol. Essa configuration occurs during lunar apogee, when the satellite is furthest from Terra.
The projected shadow does not completely reach the Earth’s surface in the annular phase. Instead, the bright ring that gives the phenomenon its name forms. Especialistas highlight that the maximum duration of annularity varies depending on the observation point.
Trajectory and duration of the phenomenon
The annularity band mainly runs through regions of Antártida over a length of thousands of kilometers. The maximum width of the zone reaches around 616 kilometers in specific sections.
The duration of the annular phase remains short in most locations. Observadores positioned in the center of the trajectory record the maximum visibility time of the ring. Fora of this range, the eclipse appears only as partial.
Visibility in different regions
The annular phase is concentrated in Antarctic areas that are difficult to access. Poucos in-person observers will be present due to the region’s logistical conditions.
The bias extends to portions of the southern hemisphere. Partes south of América of Sul, including southern extremes, record partial coverage of Sol. Regiões from the south of África also partially captures the event.
In Brasil, the partial phenomenon appears in states of Sul at specific times of the afternoon. The percentage of solar coverage varies depending on geographic location.
- Rio Grande do Sul: coverage reaches up to 20% in cities such as Porto Alegre.
- Santa Catarina: similar percentage is observed in the capital Florianópolis.
- Paraná: reduced visibility occurs in Curitiba and surrounding areas.
- Other regions: the eclipse is not visible in the north of the country.
Recommendations for safe observation
Direct observation of Sol requires adequate protection at any phase of the eclipse. Filtros certified for eclipses block harmful radiation to the eyes.
Indirect methods offer a safe alternative for monitoring. Projeção using a telescope or using a box with a hole projects the image of Sol onto a flat surface.
Special eclipse glasses are a practical and affordable option. Autoridades astronomical guidelines advise avoiding homemade methods without certification.
Coincidence with religious period
The eclipse occurs one day before the estimated start date of Ramadan in 2026. The determination of the holy month follows the Islamic lunar calendar in several traditions.
Celestial alignment gains attention in Muslim communities due to its temporal proximity. Observações Historical astronomy records similar phenomena in religious periods.
Other astronomical events in 2026
The year holds multiple celestial phenomena in addition to the annular eclipse. Chuvas of intense meteors mark different seasons.
Supermoons occur on specific dates with Lua closest to Terra. Eclipses lunar calendars complement the astronomical calendar.
Parades of planets visible to the naked eye occur in rare alignments. Observadores have varied opportunities throughout the months.
Preparation for online broadcasts
Astronomical organizations plan live coverage of the eclipse. Digital Plataformas transmit real-time images from the Antártida.
Specialized teams install equipment at strategic points. The global audience accesses the event without traveling.
Updates on streaming links will be released closer to the date. Instituições international organizations coordinate efforts for broad dissemination.
The annular solar eclipse of February 17, 2026 represents one of the main astronomical events of the year. The phenomenon combines orbital precision with limited visibility in specific regions. Observação security and transmissions grant broad access to the celestial ring of fire.