An annular solar eclipse, also known as a “ring of fire” eclipse, occurs on Feb. 17, but will only be viewable on one continent south of the equator.
A “ring of fire” eclipse happens when the moon passes between Earth and the sun, but doesn’t completely block out the sun, leaving a small ring of the sun visible around the moon.
The “ring of fire” effect caused during the annular eclipse of the Sun over Albuquerque, New Mexico, on October 14, 2023. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP) (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
This annular eclipse will only be visible from Antarctica, according to NASA.
For the ring of fire eclipse happening on Tuesday, the moon will cover 96% of the sun.
The “ring of fire” effect from this annular eclipse will last 2 minutes and 20 seconds, according to EarthSky.org.
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The “ring of fire” eclipse is pictured in Easter Island in the Pacific Ocean, Chile, on October 2, 2024.
(JONATHAN MARTINS/AFP / Getty Images)
In total, the eclipse will last for 271 minutes.
A partial solar eclipse will be visible from Antarctica, Africa, South America and the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic oceans.
TOPSHOT — Partial view of the annular solar eclipse in Puerto San Julian, Santa Cruz province, Argentina, taken on October 2, 2024
(JUAN MABROMATA/AFP / Getty Images)
Annular and partial eclipses are still solar eclipses and require proper eye protection for viewing.
Never look directly at a solar eclipse. Use certified eclipse glasses or a telescope with a proper solar filter on it.
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While the U.S. misses out on the eclipse excitement this time, a total lunar eclipse is around the corner and will be seen from the Americas on March 3, according to NASA.
