Partial annular solar eclipse to occur on Tuesday

A partial annular solar eclipse, the first of the year, will take place on Tuesday (February 17, 2026).

According to a statement from Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Directorate, the eclipse will begin at 3:56 PM and end at 8:27 PM (local time).

The celestial event is expected to attract interest from skywatchers and astronomers. 

However, it will be visible only in select regions, including southern Argentina, Chile, South Africa and Antarctica.

The ISPR noted that the central path of the eclipse will start northwest of the Chilean Antarctic Research Yelcho Base in the Southern Ocean and end southeast of Ving-China Inland in Mauritius, Indian Ocean.

The eclipse occurs because the Moon will be at a greater distance from Earth, creating the characteristic “ring of fire” effect.

SH