If you woke up this morning, January 17, 2026, and started scouring the horizon for a sudden midday twilight, I've got some news that might be a little bit of a letdown. There is no solar eclipse today. Not in New York, not in London, and definitely not in your backyard.
Honestly, I get why you're looking. The internet has a funny way of making every "upcoming" event feel like it’s happening right now. But space doesn't really care about our viral cycles. The moon is currently in its waning crescent phase—basically a tiny 2% sliver of light—meaning it's almost a New Moon, but it isn't quite aligned for the big show yet.
The real "when is solar eclipse today" answer is actually exactly one month from now. Mark February 17, 2026, on your calendar. That is when the "Ring of Fire" returns. But there is a catch. A big one.
The February 17 "Ring of Fire" is a bit of a hermit
On February 17, we’re going to see an annular solar eclipse. If you aren't a space nerd, "annular" basically means the moon is a little too far from Earth to cover the sun completely. Instead of a total blackout, you get that gorgeous, glowing ring around the edges.
The problem? Most of us won't see it. The path of annularity—the "sweet spot"—is strictly limited to Antarctica. If you happen to be a scientist at the Concordia Research Station or the Russian-run Mirny Station, you’re in luck. For the rest of us, it’s mostly a "check the livestream" kind of event.
- Where it's hitting: The remote icy deserts of East Antarctica.
- Partial views: You might catch a tiny nibble out of the sun if you're in southern Africa or the very tip of South America (think Chile and Argentina).
- The Timing: The main event kicks off around 09:56 UTC.
It's kinda wild to think about an entire celestial event happening for an audience of maybe a few dozen penguins and sixteen chilly researchers.
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Why 2026 is actually the year of the eclipse
Even though nothing is happening today, don't put those eclipse glasses in the junk drawer just yet. 2026 is actually a massive year for astrotourism.
The "Big One" is coming on August 12, 2026. This isn't just a ring; it's a total solar eclipse. This is the first time a total eclipse will hit Europe in decades. If you missed the 2024 eclipse in the US, this is your redemption arc.
The path of totality for August is going to sweep over:
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- Greenland: For the hardcore adventurers who don't mind the cold.
- Iceland: Specifically the west coast and Reykjavik. Imagine seeing the sun's corona over a volcanic landscape.
- Spain: This is where the party will be. The path cuts right through northern Spain, hitting cities like Valencia, Bilbao, and Palma.
Don't fall for the "Eclipse Season" myths
People often think eclipses are these random, one-off freak accidents. They actually happen in "seasons" roughly every six months. It’s all about the tilt of the moon’s orbit. Most of the time, the moon's shadow misses Earth entirely—passing just "above" or "below" us in space.
But twice a year, things line up. This is what astronomers call the nodal points.
We are currently heading into the first eclipse season of 2026. After the February solar event, we actually have a total lunar eclipse—a "Blood Moon"—on March 3, 2026. That one will be much easier to see for folks in North America and Asia.
How to actually prepare (No, sunglasses aren't enough)
Since we have a month until the February event and several months until the August total eclipse, you've got time to get your gear right.
I’ve seen people try to look at the sun through stacked sunglasses or even potato chip bags. Please don't do that. You will literally cook your retinas. You need ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses.
If you're planning for the August trip to Spain, book your hotels now. Seriously. I’m hearing from travel experts that spots in the path of totality are already filling up. The "Greatest Eclipse" point is actually in the ocean off the coast of Iceland, so cruise ships are going to be a massive thing this year too.
What you can do right now
While the sun and moon aren't doing anything spectacular today, the night sky is still pretty busy.
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- Check the Moon: Go out tonight and look for that 2% crescent. It’s hard to find, but it’s a fun challenge.
- Download an App: Use something like Stellarium or SkySafari. They'll show you exactly where the eclipse paths will fall later this year based on your GPS.
- Check your glasses: Find your old 2024 glasses. If they have any scratches or pinholes, toss them. They aren't safe anymore.
Basically, today is the day for planning, not for viewing. Use the quiet before the "eclipse mania" starts next month to map out your August trip. Spain in the summer with a blacked-out sun? That's a "once-in-a-lifetime" thing you don't want to miss.