Overview
- An annular solar eclipse occurs on Feb. 17, with the partial phase beginning at 09:56 UTC, anularity from 11:42 to 12:41 UTC, and maximum around 12:11–12:12 UTC.
- Full anularity will be confined to remote Antarctic regions, while partial views will reach southern Argentina and Chile as well as southern Africa.
- Example forecasts cite minimal partial coverage in populated areas, including about 5% in Punta Arenas near sunset and roughly 11% in Cape Town shortly after sunrise.
- Agencies and experts reiterate that only ISO 12312-2 eclipse glasses or a #14 welding filter, or indirect projection methods, are safe; improvised filters can cause permanent retinal damage.
- With the path over isolated terrain, major live broadcasts are limited, and attention is also turning to other 2026 events: a total lunar eclipse on Mar. 3 and a six-planet evening grouping on Feb. 28.