Annular eclipse 2026 coincides with the crescent moon of Ramadan: Full details
The Jeddah Astronomical Society has announced an exceptional astronomical event that the world is anticipating on Tuesday, February 17, 2026: an annular solar eclipse coinciding precisely with the astronomical conjunction marking the birth of the crescent moon of Ramadan 1447 AH. This event, combining the phenomenon of the "ring of light" with the beginning of the holy month, holds special significance for those interested in astronomy and Islamic calendar calculations.
Details of the Ring of Light phenomenon
Engineer Majed Abu Zahra, head of the Jeddah Astronomical Society, explained that this annular eclipse occurs when the moon reaches its apogee (the point in its orbit farthest from Earth), making it appear smaller than the sun's disk. As a result, the moon cannot completely cover the sun, but leaves a bright ring around it, a phenomenon known globally as a "ring of light." Astronomical calculations indicate that the moon will obscure approximately 96% of the sun's disk at the eclipse's peak, leaving a radiant edge that creates a magnificent spectacle in the skies of the regions witnessing the event.
Geographic path and viewing locations
Despite its astronomical significance, the annular eclipse will only be visible to the naked eye in very remote areas of the world. Its path will cross Antarctica and parts of the Southern Ocean. A limited number of scientists and researchers at research stations, such as the French-Italian Concordia and the Russian Mirny, are expected to be able to document this rare event, during which the bright ring of light will last for no more than two minutes and 20 seconds.
Coincidence with the crescent moon of Ramadan and its astronomical significance
This phenomenon takes on added significance as it coincides with the new moon of Ramadan. Astronomically, a solar eclipse is the definitive proof of the new moon, when the moon is positioned directly between the Earth and the sun. The moon will reach its new moon phase at 3:01 PM Saudi time, marking the astronomical beginning of the new lunar month. However, Abu Zahra confirmed that the eclipse will not be visible in Saudi Arabia or the Arab world, meaning that the sighting of the new moon will rely on traditional methods and available optical instruments after sunset. The official decision rests with the Supreme Court.
Historical and scientific context
Historically, eclipses have been linked to the precise dating of major events, and they offer scientists an opportunity to study the layers of the sun's atmosphere and refine the orbital calculations of celestial bodies. This eclipse serves as a reminder of the precision of the cosmic order and the regularity of celestial bodies in their orbits, confirming the accurate Quranic description of the movement of the sun and moon according to precise calculations.
It is noted that the entire eclipse will last about 4 hours and 31 minutes, starting at 12:56 pm and ending at 05:27 pm Saudi time, and will be visible only as a partial eclipse in parts of southern South America and southeastern Africa.
