Solar Eclipse 2026 & 2027: Dates, Types & Where to See the “Ring of Fire” in Brazil

Carnival Under a Ring of Fire: Brazil Awaits 2027 Eclipse

The celestial show will go on – just not this year. While a solar eclipse occurred on February 17, 2026, it wasn’t visible as a spectacular “Ring of Fire” in Brazil. However, all eyes are now on February 6, 2027, when a solar eclipse will coincide with Carnival celebrations, offering a unique spectacle for parts of the country.

Understanding Solar Eclipses: Total, Annular and Partial

Eclipses happen when one celestial body blocks the light from another. Solar eclipses occur when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun. There are three main types:

Total: The Sun is completely covered, causing a temporary darkness.
Annular: The Moon is farther away and doesn’t fully cover the Sun, creating a bright ring around the Moon – the “Ring of Fire.”
Partial: Only a portion of the Sun is covered.

A rarer type, the hybrid eclipse, combines characteristics of total and annular eclipses.

Where to Witness the 2027 “Ring of Fire” in Brazil

The 2027 eclipse will be particularly special as the path of annularity – where the full “Ring of Fire” effect is visible – will cross Brazil. Specific locations offering the best views include:

Rio Grande do Sul: Areas around Santa Vitória do Palmar, Paso Real, and Picada do Mata.
Paraná: Certain cities in the southern part of the state, such as Pato Branco, Francisco Beltrão, and Palmas.
Santa Catarina: The extreme south of the state, including Criciúma, Araranguá, and Sombrio.

Even outside this narrow path, much of Brazil will experience a partial eclipse. Cities like Rio de Janeiro, Niterói, and the surrounding areas in the Baixada Fluminense are expected to see approximately 90% solar coverage. Roraima will have the least coverage, at 7.7%.

Map showing the visibility of the February 6, 2027 solar eclipse. The dark band indicates where the “Ring of Fire” will be visible. Credit: Time, and Date.

Eclipse Timings (Brasília Time)

Here’s a breakdown of the key timings for the eclipse:

Partial eclipse begins: 10:53 AM
Annularity begins: 12:42 PM
Annularity ends: 12:49 PM
Partial eclipse ends: 4:53 PM

These times may vary slightly depending on the exact location within the visibility zone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a solar eclipse? A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, blocking the Sun’s light.
What is an annular eclipse? It occurs when the Moon is farther from Earth and appears smaller, leaving a ring of sunlight visible around it.
Will the eclipse be visible across all of Brazil? No, the “Ring of Fire” will be visible in a specific path across the south of Brazil, while the rest of the country will see a partial eclipse.
Is it safe to look directly at the eclipse? No. It’s not safe to look directly at the sun during an eclipse without proper eye protection.

The 2027 Carnival promises to be an unforgettable experience, blending the vibrant energy of Brazil’s biggest celebration with a rare and breathtaking astronomical event.