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An annular solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes in front of the Sun but appears smaller in apparent size, leaving the outer edge of the Sun visible as a bright ring. This alignment takes place when the Earth, Moon, and Sun are positioned in a straight line. However, the annular solar eclipse on February 17, 2026, will not pass over Indonesia. Its path will cross polar regions, including Antarctica and the southern part of the Indian Ocean.

The eclipse will begin with a partial phase at 09:56 UTC (Coordinated Universal Time), reach maximum at 12:12 UTC, and end the partial phase at 14:57 UTC. The annular phase will last approximately 2 minutes and 20 seconds. Indonesia is seven hours ahead of UTC. Therefore, when the eclipse reaches its maximum at 12:12 UTC, it will be 19:12 Western Indonesian Time (WIB). By that time, much of Indonesia will already be in the evening, making the annular solar eclipse effectively unobservable from the country.

Does the Annular Solar Eclipse Have Indirect Effects on Areas Outside Its Path?

Ferry, an astronomy lecturer at Â鶹ֱ²¥, addressed this question in a personal interview on Friday, February 13, 2026. In short, he said no. According to Ferry, there are no physical effects felt on Earth, either in regions along the eclipse’s path or in areas outside it.

However, for regions within the eclipse path, safe observation methods are required, including the use of proper solar filters such as eclipse glasses. He emphasized that adequate basic knowledge is necessary when observing an eclipse, as safe viewing times differ depending on the type of eclipse.

“In an annular solar eclipse, the apparent size of the Moon’s disk is smaller than that of the Sun. This means that when the entire disk of the Moon is positioned in front of the Sun, not all of the Sun is covered. The outer edge remains visible, forming a bright ring in the sky. Therefore, during this event, there is no safe time to look at the Sun directly without a filter or optical device that reduces its light,� Ferry explained during the February 13, 2026 interview.

By contrast, during a total solar eclipse, there is a safe period for direct observation with the naked eye—specifically during totality, when no sunlight is visible because the Sun’s disk is completely covered by the Moon.

Although the light emitted during the “ring of fire� phase of an annular eclipse is less intense than the Sun’s full brightness on an ordinary day, this does not make it safe to observe with the naked eye. “The intensity remains extremely high. Even though it appears to be just a ring, it is still dangerous,� Ferry said.

He also noted that during an annular eclipse, light emitted only from the Sun’s outer edges can make the surroundings appear slightly dimmer, causing the human pupil to dilate automatically. This can worsen the effect of sunlight on the eyes, as more light enters when the pupils expand.

The Importance of Future Solar Eclipse Observations

Eclipses are astronomical phenomena that attract significant public interest, particularly in Indonesia. While eclipse observations were initially used to test human understanding of motion in the Solar System—useful, for example, in determining events such as the sighting of the lunar crescent (hilal)—their focus has evolved toward public service and education on safe solar eclipse observation.

“Usually during an eclipse, our focus is to appreciate the natural phenomenon and invite the public to enjoy it as well, so that people are not afraid or influenced by myths. During the total solar eclipse observation on April 20, 2023, in Biak, my team from LangitSelatan collaborated with local tourism authorities. We combined eclipse observation with tourism activities there, while also informing people about safe viewing methods,� Ferry said.

Although Indonesia will not experience the first annular solar eclipse of 2026, another significant solar eclipse is expected next year. The total solar eclipse on August 7, 2027, will be partially observable from Indonesia, particularly in parts of Sumatra shortly before sunset.

What makes the August 7, 2027 total solar eclipse notable is its long totality phase. With a duration of 6 minutes and 23 seconds, it will have the longest totality phase of any solar eclipse in the 21st century. For eclipse observers, the total solar eclipse of August 2, 2027, will be a particularly significant event not to be missed.