The annular solar eclipse has begun to dim the Sun over parts of the Southern Hemisphere, creating a rare “ring of fire” spectacle visible primarily from Antarctica.
The celestial event started with the partial eclipse at 3:27 PM IST, followed by the beginning of annularity at 5:14 PM IST over the frozen continent. The eclipse reached its maximum at 5:43 PM IST and will conclude by 7:58 PM IST.
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During an annular solar eclipse, the Moon passes directly between Earth and the Sun but appears slightly smaller than the Sun in the sky. This happens because the Moon is near apogee, the farthest point in its orbit from Earth. As a result, the Moon covers most — but not all — of the Sun’s disk, leaving a bright ring of sunlight visible around its edges.
In this eclipse, the Moon covers about 97 percent of the Sun, producing the distinctive glowing ring effect that can last up to two minutes at maximum.
This eclipse is part of Saros cycle 121, a repeating pattern of eclipses that occurs over long periods as the Sun, Moon, and Earth align in nearly identical positions.
The reason the full annular eclipse is visible only in Antarctica lies in the geometry of the Moon’s shadow. The central path of the eclipse, known as the antumbra, is extremely narrow, about 600 kilometers wide, and falls across western Antarctica and nearby ocean regions.
Because Earth’s curvature and the timing of the eclipse place this shadow track over the southern polar region during daylight hours, the “ring of fire” can be seen only from Antarctica, including a few research stations such as Concordia.
Outside this narrow path, a partial eclipse is visible across parts of southern Africa, the southern tips of South America, and surrounding oceans. Scientists estimate that about 176 million people worldwide will see at least a slight dimming of the Sun.
In India, the eclipse is not visible, as it occurs after sunset.
Astronomers continue to remind viewers that proper solar filters or certified eclipse glasses are essential when observing any solar eclipse to prevent serious eye damage.
