Today marked the first solar eclipse of 2026 an annular one creating a stunning “ring of fire” as the Moon partially obscured the Sun, leaving a bright ring of sunlight visible around its silhouette. The event started in a remote part of Antarctica, where few people but plenty of penguins could witness the full annular phase. Partial views were available across southern Africa, the southern tip of South America, and vast ocean areas in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans. Maximum coverage hit around 96% in the path, with annularity lasting about 2 minutes 20 seconds at peak. Unfortunately for observers in Pakistan, including Karachi, the eclipse was not visible at all local skies remained unaffected, as confirmed by the Pakistan Meteorological Department. Key Timings and Phenomenon Explained The partial eclipse began around 09:56 UTC (2:56 PM PKT), with the annular phase peaking at 12:12 UTC (5:12 PM PKT) and ending by 14:28 UTC. Unlike total eclipses, annular ones occur w...
Today marked the first solar eclipse of 2026 an annular one creating a stunning “ring of fire” as the Moon partially obscured the Sun, leaving a bright ring of sunlight visible around its silhouette. The event started in a remote part of Antarctica, where few people but plenty of penguins could witness the full annular phase. Partial views were available across southern Africa, the southern tip of South America, and vast ocean areas in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans. Maximum coverage hit around 96% in the path, with annularity lasting about 2 minutes 20 seconds at peak. Unfortunately for observers in Pakistan, including Karachi, the eclipse was not visible at all local skies remained unaffected, as confirmed by the Pakistan Meteorological Department.
Key Timings and Phenomenon Explained
The partial eclipse began around 09:56 UTC (2:56 PM PKT), with the annular phase peaking at 12:12 UTC (5:12 PM PKT) and ending by 14:28 UTC. Unlike total eclipses, annular ones occur when the Moon is farther away, so it doesn’t fully cover the Sun – instead, it creates that dramatic flaming border. Shadows sharpen dramatically as coverage nears 80%, but direct viewing remains dangerous without certified eclipse glasses. For precise global timings and maps, refer to Time and Date’s eclipse page or NASA’s eclipse predictions.
Safety Tips and What’s Next in 2026
Never look directly at the Sun during any solar eclipse phase – use proper solar filters or pinhole projectors for safe viewing. The “ring of fire” effect is mesmerizing but harmful to unprotected eyes. Looking ahead, the next big one is a total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, visible in Greenland, western Iceland, and northern Spain with up to 2 minutes 18 seconds of totality – just before the Perseid meteor shower peaks. Pakistan won’t see that one either, but two solar and two lunar eclipses are expected this year overall. For visuals of the ring effect, see this striking capture from similar events.
Online Buzz on Today’s Celestial Show
Social media captured excitement from those in viewable zones and disappointment elsewhere. Check out discussions on the remote Antarctic path and penguin audience in posts from astronomy enthusiasts. The event’s rarity sparked shares of path maps and safety reminders worldwide.
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