February 3, 2026 | 06:46 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A number of astronomical phenomena will occur during February 2026, including an annular solar eclipse. "There will be an annular solar eclipse, but it won't be visible from Indonesia," said Avivah Yamani, an astronomy activist from the Langit Selatan Bandung Community, on Sunday, February 1, 2026.
The annular solar eclipse on February 17 will be the first eclipse of the year, coinciding with Chinese New Year. However, this event will only be visible to observers in Antarctica. Observers in other regions, such as southern Argentina, Chile, and Africa, will only be able to see a partial solar eclipse.
In addition, there will be encounters between the Moon and planets. Avivah cited Saturn as an example, which will be visible above the western horizon after sunset on February 19. The Moon will also pass over Jupiter on February 27 in the northwest sky from sunset until just after midnight.
According to the Langit Selatan website, the Moon will appear full, aka a full moon, on February 2. The Moon will reach its farthest point from Earth, or apogee, on February 10, at a distance of 404,576 kilometers. The new Moon will occur on February 17, after which it will reach its closest point to Earth, or perigee, on February 25, at a distance of 360,348 kilometers.
In addition to planets, the Moon will also appear to pass by several stars, such as Antares on February 11 in the east-southeast sky just after midnight. Then, it will pass by the Pleiades on February 24 in the northwest sky after sunset until just before midnight.
The Moon will appear very close to the star Elnath or Beta Tauri on February 25 in the northwest sky. Both can be observed after sunset until around 2:00 a.m.
Meanwhile, several planets will be visible, namely Mercury and Venus, after sunset. Both begin to become clearly visible in mid-February above the western horizon. Jupiter and Saturn appear to be in the west-northwest direction after sunset. Meanwhile, Mars will be absent, while Uranus and Neptune will be too dim to be seen directly, requiring a telescope.
Read: Four Eclipses to Occur in 2026, Only One Seen from Indonesia
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Four Eclipses to Occur in 2026, Only One Seen from Indonesia
26 hari lalu
The first eclipse will be a solar eclipse on February 17th, coinciding with the celebration of Chinese New Year.
The Longest Solar Eclipse in 100 Years: When and Where to See It
55 hari lalu
On August 2, 2027, the longest solar eclipse in a century will darken skies across three continents. Here's when and where to see it.
Partial Solar Eclipse on September 21-22: Everything You Need to Know
19 September 2025
On September 21-22, skywatchers in the Southern Hemisphere are in the prime position to catch 2025's second and final solar eclipse. Learn more here.
Partial Solar Eclipse This Week: When and Where to Watch It
18 September 2025
The phenomenon of a partial Solar Eclipse is predicted to occur on Sunday, September 21, 2025, just a few hours before the September equinox.
When is the Solar Eclipse? The Best Places for Viewing
15 Agustus 2025
Although it is still a year away, excitement is already building for the 2026 solar eclipse. Learn more about this upcoming cosmic spectacle here.
Solar Eclipse on March 29, 2025: Here Are the Places to See It in the U.S.
28 Maret 2025
One of nature's most incredible phenomena, a solar eclipse is about to occur on March 29, 2025. Learn more of when and where to see it in the U.S.
Total Solar Eclipse: North Americans Celebrate with Cheers, Music and Matrimony
9 April 2024
Skywatchers across North America gazed upward at a blackened sun in the midday dusk on Monday, celebrating the total solar eclipse.
BMKG Studies Solar Flare During April 8 Total Solar Eclipse
7 April 2024
BMKG said they will study the solar flares that will be visible during tomorrow's total solar eclipse.
Rare Celestial Events in April 2024; From Meteor Showers to Devil Comet
2 April 2024
Several rare astronomical events will occur in April 2024, including meteor showers and solar eclipse.
Total Solar Eclipse to Occur on April 8; Will It Be Visible from Indonesia?
15 Maret 2024
The total solar eclipse has generated excitement among skywatching and astronomy enthusiasts worldwide.
