Partial solar eclipse to be visible in parts of the world, including the rare 'ring of fire' phenomenon

A partial solar eclipse will be visible from Antarctica, Africa, South America and the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic oceans.

An annular solar eclipse, also known as a "ring of fire" eclipse, occurs on Feb. 17, but will only be viewable on one continent south of the equator. 

A "ring of fire" eclipse happens when the moon passes between Earth and the sun, but doesn't completely block out the sun, leaving a small ring of the sun visible around the moon.

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This annular eclipse will only be visible from Antarctica, according to NASA. 

For the ring of fire eclipse happening on Tuesday, the moon will cover 96% of the sun. 

The "ring of fire" effect from this annular eclipse will last 2 minutes and 20 seconds, according to EarthSky.org

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In total, the eclipse will last for 271 minutes. 

A partial solar eclipse will be visible from Antarctica, Africa, South America and the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic oceans

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Annular and partial eclipses are still solar eclipses and require proper eye protection for viewing. 

Never look directly at a solar eclipse. Use certified eclipse glasses or a telescope with a proper solar filter on it. 

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While the U.S. misses out on the eclipse excitement this time, a total lunar eclipse is around the corner and will be seen from the Americas on March 3, according to NASA

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