04 Feb Cape Town to Witness a Partial Solar Eclipse: 17 February 2026

Posted at 08:38h in News by

Cape Town to Witness a Partial Solar Eclipse: 17 February 2026

🔴 Important Safety Notice

Looking directly at the Sun during an eclipse without proper protection can cause serious and permanent eye damage. For safe viewing, always use ISO-approved eclipse glasses or professionally fitted solar filters.

Cape Town, South Africa, On Tuesday, 17 February 2026, skywatchers in Cape Town and across South Africa have a unique celestial event to look forward to, a partial solar eclipse visible from the region.

During this rare occurrence, the Moon will pass between the Earth and the Sun, covering a small portion of the solar disk and creating an intriguing “bite” out of the Sun in the afternoon sky. While the spectacular annular phase, often called the “ring of fire,” will only be visible from remote parts of Antarctica, observers in Cape Town will be able to witness the partial eclipse as the Moon obscures part of the Sun.

Key Details for Cape Town Viewers

  • Partial Eclipse Begins: 14:01 SAST
  • Maximum Eclipse: 14:43 SAST, with about 5% solar coverage in Cape Town
  • Partial Eclipse Ends: 15:24 SAST
  • Duration: 1 hour, 23 minutes

For more details from your location, visit: https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/in/south-africa/cape-town?iso=20260217

Although the eclipse will be partial in Cape Town, this solar eclipse offers a rare chance to witness the dynamic movement of our solar system in real time.

This image shows what the maximum eclipse will approximately look like in Cape Town. (Image Credit: timeanddate.com)