Key Takeaways
- An annular solar eclipse occurred on February 17, 2026, showcasing a ‘ring of fire’.
- The ESA’s Proba-2 satellite captured multiple images of the eclipse from space, including the ring.
- Upcoming solar eclipses will be visible from more populated areas, including a total eclipse on August 12, 2026.
Annular Solar Eclipse Observed by ESA Satellite
On February 17, 2026, a rare annular solar eclipse took place, where the Moon passed directly between the Sun and Earth but did not completely obscure the Sun, resulting in a striking ‘ring of fire’. This phenomenon occurred because the Moon was positioned at a distant point in its elliptical orbit.
The European Space Agency’s Proba-2 satellite played a significant role in observing this event, capturing images from its vantage point in space. The satellite experienced the same solar eclipse four times, with one notable image of the ring taken at 11:31 Universal Time. These images were captured using the SWAP extreme ultraviolet imager, which operates at a wavelength of 17.4 nanometers.
While the eclipse was a spectacular sight in space, it was visible from Earth only in Antarctica. However, a partial solar eclipse was observable from the southern regions of Chile and Argentina, along with parts of southern Africa.
Looking ahead, several solar eclipses are set to occur in the next two years, which will be visible from more populated regions. The European Space Agency is particularly highlighting three upcoming eclipses: a total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, that will be seen in Greenland, Iceland, and parts of Spain; another total eclipse on August 2, 2027, visible from the southern tip of Spain, northern Africa, and the Middle East; and an annular eclipse on January 26, 2028, that will be visible from South America, Portugal, and Spain.
It is crucial to remember that viewing the Sun, even during a partial eclipse, without proper eye protection—such as solar eclipse glasses—can result in severe eye damage. Safety should always be the priority when observing such celestial events.
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