02/17/2026
2 eclipses coming up!
Two eclipses. Two weeks apart. One blocks the Sun. The other turns the Moon blood red.
🔥 February 17: Annular Solar Eclipse ("Ring of Fire")
The Moon will pass in front of the Sun, covering 96% of its face but leaving a blazing ring of sunlight around the edges. The full ring of fire will only be visible from a narrow path across western Antarctica for about 2 minutes and 20 seconds. A partial eclipse, where the Sun appears as if something took a bite out of it, will be visible from parts of southern Africa (including South Africa, Mozambique, and Madagascar) and the very southern tips of Chile and Argentina. For most of the world, livestreams will be the way to watch this one.
⚠️ Never look at the Sun during any phase of a solar eclipse without certified eclipse glasses.
🌕 March 3: Total Lunar Eclipse ("Blood Moon")
Exactly two weeks later, the full Worm Moon will drift into Earth's shadow and turn a deep coppery red for about 58 minutes. Unlike a solar eclipse, this one is safe to watch with the naked eye and visible from a much larger portion of the planet.
The best views of totality will be from eastern Asia, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and western North America. The rest of North and Central America will see the Moon set during totality. Central Asia and parts of South America will catch the partial phases. Europe and Africa will miss this one entirely.
🔭 Totality runs from 11:04 to 12:03 UTC on March 3. During the eclipse, the Moon will be in the constellation Leo, near the bright star Regulus. With the Moon dimmed, surrounding stars will become easier to spot.
This is also the last total lunar eclipse anywhere on Earth until New Year's Eve 2028-2029. So if you have clear skies, don't let this one pass you by.
