RAS question
The February 17 annular solar eclipse was visible from which region?
Correct answer: (C) Southern Africa and Antarctica.
The February 17, 2026 solar eclipse was visible from southern Africa and Antarctica, with annularity visible over Antarctica and a partial eclipse visible from much of Southern Africa.
Explanation
The February 17, 2026 event was an annular solar eclipse because the Moon's apparent diameter was smaller than the Sun's, leaving a ring-like annulus. PROBA2 Science Center states that annularity, as seen from Earth, was visible only over Antarctica. PROBA2 Science Center also states that, given clear skies, observers in much of Southern Africa could see the event as a partial eclipse. Option C is correct because the visible region was Southern Africa and Antarctica. The eclipse was not visible from India, which eliminates India-based options.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Northern Europe is wrong because annularity was visible over Antarctica and partial visibility covered much of Southern Africa.
- (B) Northern India is wrong because the eclipse was not visible from India.
- (D) Southeast Asia is wrong because the visible regions were Antarctica for annularity and much of Southern Africa for partial visibility.
Concept
This tests basic astronomical events and map-based visibility, a recurring RAS Science and Technology theme because eclipses often appear in current-affairs-linked factual questions. The key skill is reading the region of visibility, not merely recognising the eclipse type.