Can You See the Feb 17 Solar Eclipse in India?

A rare annular solar eclipse is scheduled for February 17, 2026, marking the first solar eclipse of the year. The celestial event is widely described as a “ring of fire” because of the striking visual effect created when the Moon partially covers the Sun.

Although the eclipse will generate interest globally, it will not be visible from India.

Why It Is Called a ‘Ring of Fire’

An annular solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun while positioned farther from Earth in its orbit. Because of this greater distance, the Moon appears slightly smaller in the sky than the Sun.

As a result, instead of completely blocking sunlight, the Moon covers only the central portion of the Sun, leaving its outer edges visible. This bright outer rim forms a glowing circular ring around the Moon’s silhouette, the phenomenon popularly known as the “ring of fire.”

Unlike a total solar eclipse, an annular eclipse does not bring complete darkness, as sunlight continues to shine from the uncovered edges.

Visibility: Where the Eclipse Can Be Seen

Primary Visibility Zone

The eclipse will be visible mainly over Antarctica. This region lies within the central shadow path, where the full annular effect, the complete ring formation, can be observed.

Partial Visibility Regions

Partial visibility will extend to parts of the Southern Hemisphere, including:

• Southern Africa

• Cape Town

• Durban

• Zimbabwe

• Tanzania

• Mauritius

• Namibia

• Southern tips of Argentina

• Southern tips of Chile

In these areas, observers may witness the Moon covering a portion of the Sun, depending on their exact location relative to the eclipse path.

India Will Not See the Eclipse

India lies entirely outside the shadow track of the February 17 eclipse. This means it will be impossible to view any part of the eclipse, either partial or annular, from anywhere in the country.

Even though the eclipse will occur on that date globally, India’s geographical position keeps it completely outside the visibility corridor.

Timing Details (IST & UTC)

The eclipse falls on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. It coincides with Amavasya Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu lunar month of Phalguna.

According to the reported timings:

• The eclipse is expected to begin at 03:26 PM IST.

• It is expected to end at 07:57 PM IST.

Maximum Phase Timing (UTC)

The maximum phase of the eclipse is provided in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC):

• Begins at 09:56 UTC.

• Peaks at 12:12 UTC.

These timings define the period during which the annular alignment is most pronounced along the central visibility path.

Astronomical Mechanics Behind the Event

During this eclipse, the Moon will be at a greater distance from Earth than it is during a total solar eclipse. Because of this positioning, the Moon cannot completely obscure the Sun.

Instead, it covers the Sun’s centre while leaving the outer edges exposed. The remaining bright rim of sunlight creates the annular ring effect. This distinctive alignment is what differentiates an annular eclipse from a total one.

Astrological Details Associated with the Eclipse

The eclipse will occur while the Sun is positioned in the Aquarius zodiac sign. It will take place under the Dhanishtha Nakshatra.

At the time of the eclipse, Rahu, Mercury, Venus and the Moon will align in Aquarius alongside the Sun. The conjunction of Rahu and the Sun in Aquarius is traditionally regarded as inauspicious in certain astrological interpretations.

These astrological alignments form part of the broader context surrounding the February 17 event.

Viewing Options for Non-Visible Regions

For regions where the eclipse will not be visible, including India, live streaming is expected to provide access to the event. The reference notes that observers may follow coverage through agencies such as NASA.

This allows audiences outside the shadow path to observe the annular phase remotely.

Next Solar Eclipse in 2026

The February 17 annular eclipse is the first solar eclipse of 2026. The next solar eclipse of the year is scheduled to occur on August 12.

Conclusion

The rare annular solar eclipse on February 17, 2026, will create a dramatic “ring of fire” over Antarctica and parts of the Southern Hemisphere. While partial visibility will extend to regions including Southern Africa and the southern tips of South America, India will remain completely outside the eclipse’s shadow track.

As the Moon covers the Sun’s centre but leaves its outer rim illuminated, the event will stand out as one of the year’s notable astronomical phenomena, though it will not be visible from Indian skies.