Celestial skywatchers and astronomy enthusiasts have major celestial events to track across the 2026–2027 calendar. In 2026, Earth experiences two solar eclipses—one annular and one total—followed by another significant annular event early in 2027. Understanding where and when these solar alignments occur ensures observers know whether totality or a “ring of fire” will grace their local skies.

Solar Eclipses in 2026

The year 2026 features two distinct solar eclipses occurring roughly six months apart:

1. February 17, 2026 (Annular Solar Eclipse): Often called a “Ring of Fire,” this eclipse occurs when the Moon passes directly between Earth and the Sun but is near apogee, leaving an outer ring of sunlight visible. The narrow path of annularity crosses Antarctica, while a partial eclipse is visible across parts of southern South America (Chile, Argentina) and southern Africa.

2. August 12, 2026 (Total Solar Eclipse): The Moon completely obscures the Sun’s disk along a path of totality stretching across eastern Greenland, western Iceland, and northern Spain. A widespread partial eclipse sweeps across much of North America (Alaska, northern Canada) and Europe.

When Is the First Solar Eclipse of 2027?

The first solar eclipse of 2027 takes place on February 6, 2027.

This event is an Annular Solar Eclipse. The path of annularity—where the Moon creates a dramatic ring of fire—travels across the southern tip of South America (including Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay), crosses the Atlantic Ocean, and makes landfall in coastal West Africa (including Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria). Neighboring regions across South America, West and Central Africa, and parts of Antarctica will observe a partial solar eclipse.