Unikma.ac.id – On February 17 2026, the world sky will again be decorated by a stunning astronomical phenomenon known as the Annular Solar Eclipse. This phenomenon is often nicknamed the “Ring of Fire” (Ring of Fire) because the position of the Moon is at the farthest point from Earth (apogee), so that its disk is unable to cover the entire surface of the Sun, leaving a bright circle of light at the edges.
Based on reports from National Geographic Indonesia and academic reviews DON’T BE UNIQUEbelow are complete details regarding the affected areas and the context of the time of the incident.
This phenomenon has a very specific trajectory and most of it passes through areas that are not densely populated. So, which areas are affected?
List of Tracks and Appearances of the Ring Solar Eclipse February 17 2026
Table of Contents
1. “Ring of Fire” Region (Main Line)
In this region, observers can see a perfect ring phase where the Moon is right in the middle of the Sun. Unfortunately, the majority of this route passes through extreme areas:
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Antarctica: This is the prime and best location to view the full ring phase. The area covered includes research stations such as Concordia Station And Mirny Station.
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Southern Ocean: The antumbra (core shadow) passes through the waters around the south pole.
2. Partial Eclipse Area (Partial)
Outside the main route, people in several parts of the world can still see the Sun which appears to be partially “bitten” by the Moon. These areas include:
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Southern Africa: Including cities at the southern tip of the African continent such as Cape Town (South Africa).
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Southern South America: The southern regions of Chile and Argentina will see a partial eclipse before or at sunrise/sunset.
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Indian Ocean and Southern Atlantic: Most of the water area is south of the equator.
3. What about Indonesia?
Based on astronomical data quoted from National GeographicIndonesia is not traversed by this eclipse path.
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Indonesia’s geographical position is too far north of the path of the Moon’s shadow that sweeps across the south pole.
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Apart from that, the peak time of the eclipse (around 19.12 WIB) occurs when the sun has set in most parts of Indonesia.
The ‘Ring of Fire’ Phenomenon Ahead of Ramadan 1447 H
Article from DON’T BE UNIQUE highlighting an interesting aspect of this eclipse, namely the timing of its occurrence which is close to the holy month of Ramadan.
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Ijtimak Marker: A solar eclipse is actually visual evidence of its occurrence consensus (conjunction), namely the phase when the Moon and Sun are at the same celestial longitude. This event marks the end of the month of Sha’ban and the entry of the new moon phase (Hilal).
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Beginning of Ramadan 2026: The eclipse on February 17 2026 is an important astronomical marker towards the start of Ramadan 1447 Hijriah, which is expected to fall a few days after the eclipse event. Even though the eclipse is not visible in Indonesia, the calculation of the moon’s position (reckoning) still makes this phenomenon an important reference in determining the Hijri calendar.
Science Facts
Quoting National Geographicthere are several scientific and safety points to note regarding this phenomenon:
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Why Do Rings Happen? On February 17, 2026, the Moon will be near apogee (farthest point from Earth). As a result, the angular diameter of the Moon appears smaller than that of the Sun. The moon will only cover approx 96% the Sun’s disk, leaving behind a dazzling ring of light.
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Danger to the Eyes (Solar Retinopathy): Because the Sun’s disk is not completely covered (unlike a Total Solar Eclipse), very dangerous see this phenomenon with the naked eye. The remaining sunlight that forms a ring still has an intensity strong enough to burn the retina of the eye (solar retinopathy) in seconds. Observations must use eclipse glasses certified to ISO 12312-2.
The annular solar eclipse of February 17 2026 is a phenomenon exclusive to the Southern Hemisphere, especially Antarctica. For the Indonesian people, even though they cannot witness it directly, this event is a crucial moment in the astronomical context of the Islamic calendar as a marker of the approach of the holy month of Ramadan 1447 H.
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*Article preparation with AI assistance
Source:
- https://nationalgeographic.grid.id/read/134352104/gerhana-matahari-cincin-17-februari-2026-bisa-dilihat-di-mana-saja?page=all
- https://unikma.ac.id/2026/02/04/gerhana-cincin-api-terjadi-jelang-ramadhan-2026/
date:2026-02-12 22:02:00