SkyMate
Join waitlistWaitlist
Annular solar eclipse

Annular solar eclipse, 17 February 2026

The Moon passed in front of the Sun. Inside a narrow path the eclipse was annular, leaving a ring of sunlight; a much wider area saw a partial eclipse.

DateTue, Feb 17, 2026
TypeAnnular
From LondonNot visible here
CountdownPast
Join the waitlistHow to watch safely

What you’ll see from London

Times for London, United Kingdom

This eclipse was not visible from London: the Moon’s shadow misses it.

Where to see it

Greatest eclipse, where the central phase lasts longest, at about 64.7°S, 86.7°E.

Visible from 1 of SkyMate’s 39 cities (computed):

  • Cape TownSouth AfricaPartial, 5%

How to watch safely

Never look at the Sun without certified solar viewing glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 standard. Sunglasses, smoked glass and exposed film are not safe. Check the glasses for scratches or holes before you use them, and supervise children.

Never point binoculars, a telescope or a camera at the Sun unless a certified solar filter covers the front of the optics. Don’t use eclipse glasses to look through unfiltered optics: the concentrated sunlight will burn through them and into your eye.

A pinhole projector is a safe, simple alternative: let sunlight through a small hole in card onto a surface behind it and watch the projected crescent. Even at maximum, part of the Sun stays uncovered, so protection is needed for the whole eclipse.

Upcoming eclipses

Questions

Can I use sunglasses?
No. Sunglasses let through far too much light. Use eclipse glasses that meet ISO 12312-2, or project the Sun with a pinhole.
Can I photograph the eclipse with my phone?
Only with a certified solar filter over the lens for the partial phases. Never look at the Sun through a camera’s optical viewfinder without a proper filter.
What is the difference between total, annular and partial?
In a total eclipse the Moon covers the Sun completely. In an annular eclipse the Moon is too far from Earth to cover it, leaving a bright ring. Everywhere outside those narrow paths sees a partial eclipse.
Plan your eclipse day.SkyMate shows local contact times and a countdown for the place you choose.Join the waitlist

Eclipse times and circumstances computed by SkyMate with the open-source astronomy-engine library; for critical planning, cross-check with NASA/GSFC eclipse predictions (Espenak). Data & Licences

Browse allAll eclipsesEventsSky events calendarSolar SystemThe SunCalendarMoon phases calendarWhat’s up tonightTonight