Solar eclipse 2026: An eclipse will happen on Tuesday, but few will see it

The first solar eclipse of 2026 will hit our skies this week, with an annular eclipse taking place on Tuesday. This type of solar eclipse creates a “ring of fire” around the sun, but unfortunately many will not be able to spot this solar phenomenon. Still curious? Keep reading to find out what’s happening and where in the world you need to be to see it.

When does the solar eclipse take place?

The annular solar eclipse will take place on Tuesday, February 17. Depending on the time and date, the first observations of the eclipse will begin at 6:42 a.m. ET.

Where can you see the solar eclipse?

Unfortunately, this annular solar eclipse is far away. The only place where we will be able to observe the complete eclipse will be Antarctica. However, some locations in the Southern Hemisphere will have a glimpse of a partial eclipse, depending on the time and date.

What is an annular solar eclipse?

An annular solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun, but is slightly too far away to completely cover the Sun, according to NASA. This creates a bright “ring of fire” around the Moon. This is different from a total solar eclipse where the sun is entirely hidden.

A partial solar eclipse occurs when the Moon covers only part of the Sun. So, from these locations in the southern hemisphere, the Sun appears to have been removed in one piece, rather than forming a complete ring.

How to see a solar eclipse

If you’re in one of the partial eclipse viewing spots (or maybe, somehow, you’re in Antarctica?), it’s important to follow specific tips for viewing the eclipse. Even in the event of an annular eclipse, the same rule of thumb applies: never look directly at the sun.

To view the eclipse safely, NASA recommends using solar viewing glasses or making your own eclipse projector using a cardboard box.