Annular Solar Eclipse
2026 February 17
It’s possible that only a few people will view this eclipse from within the annular zone. It’s a challenge to reach and there are only two inhabited locations within the annular shadow, neither of which are set up to welcome tourists. Viewing from the air is a comfortable approach, but an annular eclipse’s appeal may be limited for such a large expense.
Almost certainly, there will be cruise ships to tackle the eclipse, as some companies are already taking tourists into these waters, though it may be a considerable diversion to reach the track.
At the worst, a few dozen Russian researchers at Mirnyy and a small number of French/Italian inhabitants at Concordia will record the event for posterity.
The weather’s not so great either. Over the ocean and along the coast, cloud cover is high and sunshine precious. Station measurements in Table 1 show sunshine amounts less than 50% of the maximum possible. Satellite measurements of cloud cover range from a high of 65% on the coast at Mirnyy to around 35 % at the best places in the interior—and interior sites come with some biting temperatures.
But, if you do get there, it will be a great experience.
Posted November 2024
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