'Ring of Fire' solar eclipse on February 17: Full guide on timings, visibility, and can it be seen in India?

There is an exciting sky event coming soon. On February 17, 2026, the first solar eclipse of the year will take place. This is not an ordinary eclipse. It is an annular solar eclipse, also called the Ring of Fire. During this eclipse, the Moon will pass in front of the Sun, but it will not cover it completely. The Sun will form a bright, glowing ring, which is why it is called the Ring of Fire.

How the eclipse will happen

In this eclipse, the Moon moves between the Earth and the Sun. The Sun will not be fully covered. The outer edges of the Sun will remain visible and create a bright ring. According to Earth Sky, the eclipse will start at 09:56 UTC and reach its maximum at 12:12 UTC.

Where the eclipse will be seen

According to NASA, the annular solar eclipse will be fully visible in Antarctica, while a partial eclipse will be seen in parts of Africa, South America, and across the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans.

Can people in India see it?

No, the eclipse won’t be visible in India because the path is far south. But you can still catch it online through live streams from space agencies.

Why this eclipse is special

Annular eclipses are different because the Moon doesn’t cover the Sun completely. The Sun forms a bright ring called the Ring of Fire. Even if you can’t see it live, it’s a fascinating show of how the Moon and Sun move in the sky.

Watching safely

Never look at the Sun directly. Always use special eclipse glasses to watch safely.

Even though India will miss the live view, the February 17, 2026, annular solar eclipse is still a special celestial event. Astronomy enthusiasts can watch it online and enjoy this rare sight.
Images: Canva (for representative purposes only)


First Solar Eclipse of 2026 on February 17: Will the ‘Ring of Fire’ Be Visible in India? When, Where, and How to Watch