Tomorrow, Tuesday, February 17, the world will witness the first solar eclipse of 2026. Known as an “annular” eclipse, it happens when the Moon is too far from Earth to completely cover the Sun, leaving a brilliant, fiery ring visible around its edges. However, for those of us in the UAE, there is a catch: the “Path of Annularity” is incredibly narrow and remote, sweeping almost exclusively over Antarctica. Because the alignment happens while the Sun is below our local horizon, the eclipse will be entirely invisible from the UAE sky. While we won’t see the sky go dark over the Burj Khalifa, the event remains a major global scientific milestone. Tomorrow, Tuesday, February 17, the world will witness the first solar eclipse of 2026.
What is the ‘Ring of Fire’ eclipse?
The term “ring of fire” refers to the bright circle of sunlight that remains visible during an annular solar eclipse. A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon moves between the Earth and the Sun, temporarily blocking sunlight. However, during an annular eclipse, the Moon is slightly farther away from Earth in its orbit. Because of this increased distance, the Moon appears smaller in the sky and cannot completely cover the Sun’s surface. Instead of plunging the sky into darkness like a total solar eclipse, a thin, brilliant ring of sunlight surrounds the Moon’s dark silhouette. This glowing halo creates the dramatic “ring of fire” effect that captivates skywatchers. Unlike a total solar eclipse, an annular eclipse never produces full darkness because a portion of the Sun always remains visible. During the February 17, 2026 event, this striking ring effect will last for up to about two minutes and twenty seconds at peak viewing locations.
How to watch from the UAE?
Just because you can’t see it from your balcony doesn’t mean you have to miss the show. Since the eclipse unfolds in one of the most desolate places on Earth, several space agencies and research stations in Antarctica are preparing to share the view.
- The partial phase begins at 1:56 PM UAE time (GST), with the “Ring of Fire” reaching its peak at 4:12 PM UAE time.
- Look for live streams from
NASA or the Virtual Telescope Project. These broadcasts will provide high-definition views from the frozen continent, allowing you to enjoy the celestial choreography without the 14-hour flight or the sub-zero temperatures.
Next eclipse coming in August
If February feels like a missed opportunity, there is good news. A total solar eclipse will occur on August 12, 2026, visible across parts of Europe including Spain and Iceland. While it will still not be visible from the UAE, it is geographically closer and may attract eclipse chasers from the region planning travel.Additionally, 2026 will feature other astronomical highlights, including lunar eclipses and meteor showers that may be visible from UAE skies.
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