Topline
Wednesday’s “ring of fire” eclipse is the second solar eclipse Earth will experience this year following April’s highly anticipated total solar eclipse, and although there won’t be any more in 2024, six more eclipses are slated through 2027.
Key Facts
Parts of the world will witness a ring of fire annular solar eclipse Wednesday, in which the moon passes between the sun and Earth but does not completely obscure the sun, leaving the sun’s visible outer edge—also called the ring of fire, or annulus—around the moon.
The only countries within the path of the ring of fire are Argentina and Chile (including Easter Island), though several other places will witness a partial eclipse, like parts of Hawaii.
The ring of fire eclipse comes six months after April’s spectacular total solar eclipse, and there will be six more solar eclipses over the next three years.
Partial Solar Eclipses 2025
There will be two partial solar eclipses that will happen in 2025. A partial solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes in front of the sun but never moves fully in front of it, which causes a crescent-like shape. The first partial eclipse will happen on March 29, 2025, and will be visible from most continents. Only states in the eastern U.S. will be able to see this eclipse, including Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, D.C. and West Virginia. The second partial solar eclipse will happen on Sept. 21 next year, though it will only be visible from parts of extreme eastern Australia, New Zealand and nearby Pacific islands, Antarctica and parts of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.
Annular Solar Eclipse 2026
An annular solar eclipse like the one occurring Wednesday will take place on Feb. 17, 2026. However, the full eclipse will only be visible from Antarctica, though the partial eclipse will be seen from parts of southern Africa, the extreme southern tip of South America, the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, and Indian Ocean.
Total Solar Eclipse 2026
Another total solar eclipse like the highly anticipated one that happened in April will occur on Aug. 12, 2026. A total solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, and completely blocks the face of the sun. This causes the sun to disappear and the sky to darken for people within the path of totality. Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia and a small area of Portugal will be the only areas within the eclipse’s path of totality. Parts of Europe, Africa, North America, the Atlantic Ocean, Arctic Ocean and Pacific Ocean will see a partial eclipse. Some 27 northern, eastern and midwestern U.S. states will be within the partial eclipse path, including New York, Illinois, Kentucky, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.
Annular Solar Eclipse 2027
On Feb. 6, 2027, Earth will experience another annular solar eclipse. The full eclipse will only be visible from parts of Africa, South America, Antarctica, the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, though broad swaths of Africa and South America will be in the path of the partial eclipse.
Total Solar Eclipse 2027
The Earth will experience a total solar eclipse on Aug. 2, 2027. Only parts of Africa, Asia, Europe, the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean will be within the path of totality, though parts of North America will see a partial eclipse. Maine is the only U.S. state within the partial solar eclipse path.
How To Safely View The Ring Of Fire Eclipse
Annular solar eclipses cannot be viewed safely at any point using the naked eye, requiring eclipse glasses throughout the duration. This means solar glasses that meet international standards must be worn at all times, according to NASA. It’s important to check the glasses are free from scratches, dents and other marks as these can diminish the glasses’ protection. It’s only safe to take glasses off during a total solar eclipse, but only during the moment when the sun is completely blocked by the moon. Camera lenses, phone cameras, telescopes or binoculars must have special-purpose solar filters in order to protect eyes from damage.
Further Reading
Everything To Know About ‘Ring Of Fire’ Eclipse: Best Places And Times To View It (Forbes)
Everything To Know About The Total Solar Eclipse—Including Map And Path Tracker (Forbes)