Quick Answer
An annular solar eclipse crosses southern Chile, Argentina, Uruguay and southern Brazil on February 6, 2027 before reaching West Africa, with up to 7 minutes and 51 seconds of annularity — among the longest of this decade.
When
February 6, 2027
Where
Path of annularity crossing northern Patagonia, with Argentina offering the best weather odds
Est. Daily Budget
$180–$350 (mid-range)
When to Book
Accommodation inside a narrow eclipse path is always the constraint, and northern Patagonia has very little of it. February is also peak Argentine summer holiday season, so competition is real. Book lodging and internal flights as early as you can, and build at least one spare day into the plan so you can move if the forecast turns.
On February 6, 2027, the moon passes directly in front of the sun but does not quite cover it. Because the moon is near the far point of its orbit, it appears slightly too small, and what remains is a brilliant unbroken ring of sunlight around a black disc — the effect known as a ring of fire. At maximum this one lasts 7 minutes and 51 seconds, which makes it one of the longest annular eclipses of the decade.
The path of annularity begins in the Pacific, crosses southern Chile including the island of Melinka and the town of Castro, sweeps east across Argentina through Viedma, clips the Uruguayan coast near Punta del Este and the southern tip of Brazil, then continues over the Atlantic to make landfall in West Africa across Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin and Nigeria. A much broader partial eclipse is visible across most of South America and the western half of Africa.
This is not a total eclipse, and the difference matters
During a total eclipse there is a brief window at totality when the sun is fully covered and you may look with unprotected eyes. That never happens during an annular eclipse. A ring of sunlight remains visible at every moment, and it is bright enough to cause permanent retinal damage. Certified eclipse glasses or a properly filtered solar telescope are required for the entire event, without exception. The same applies to cameras, binoculars and phone lenses, which need solar filters fitted over the front.
Where to Position Yourself
Eclipse chasing is really a weather-forecasting exercise dressed up as a holiday. The event itself is certain; whether you see it depends entirely on cloud, and your job is to maximise the odds and keep the ability to move.
February is late summer across southern South America, equivalent to August in the northern hemisphere, with warm temperatures, abundant sunshine and rainfall near its annual minimum. Within the path, the Argentine side generally offers better prospects than the Chilean side: Chilean Patagonia sits downwind of the Andes and collects the moisture the mountains wring out of Pacific weather systems, while northern Argentine Patagonia is a dry, sparsely populated region of very wide skies. For most chasers, Argentina is the sensible target.
Practical Eclipse-Chasing Advice
- Hire a car. The single most valuable asset on eclipse day is the ability to drive a hundred kilometres away from a cloud bank on the morning itself.
- Position yourself near the centreline of the path. Annularity shortens rapidly toward the edges, and the difference between the centre and the margin can be several minutes.
- Arrive at least a day early. Roads inside eclipse paths get busy, and you do not want to be driving to your site as the partial phase begins.
- Buy eclipse glasses from a reputable supplier well in advance, and bring spares. Counterfeit and damaged filters are a genuine hazard and local supply near the path sells out.
- Check forecasts obsessively in the final 48 hours, and be willing to abandon a booked hotel to chase clear sky. Chasers routinely do this.
- Watch the surroundings, not just the sun. Light goes strange and metallic during annularity, temperatures drop noticeably, and animals react — much of the experience is peripheral.
Making It a Trip Rather Than a Day
The eclipse lasts minutes; the journey to reach it is substantial. Northern Patagonia rewards the extra days. The Atlantic coast around Viedma and Las Grutas has broad beaches and, in season, southern right whales further south around Península Valdés, where the marine wildlife — elephant seals, sea lions, Magellanic penguins — is among the best in South America.
Inland, the Andean lake district around Bariloche is several hours west and offers forested mountains, glacial lakes and some of the best hiking in the country during the February summer. Buenos Aires is the usual entry point and deserves a couple of days of its own at either end. If you are travelling this far for a few minutes of shadow, build the rest of the trip around it properly.
How Much Does a Trip Cost?
| Budget Tier | Daily Cost (USD) | Accommodation | Transport & Equipment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | $60 – $120 | Hostel or campsite in a Patagonian town | Long-distance buses, self-catering, basic eclipse glasses |
| Mid-Range | $180 – $350 | Mid-range hotel in or near the path | Hire car for repositioning, internal flights, restaurant meals |
| Luxury | $450 – $1,200+ | Estancia or high-end lodge | Private driver, organised chasing package with weather support |
How these numbers were estimated
These combine standard Argentine travel costs with a premium reflecting both February peak season and the very limited accommodation inside a narrow eclipse path. Car hire is listed under mid-range because it is close to essential for weather flexibility rather than a comfort upgrade. Organised eclipse tours price per person and vary widely depending on whether meteorological support is included.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I look at an annular eclipse without protection at any point?
No. Unlike a total eclipse, there is no moment of safety. A bright ring of the sun's surface remains visible throughout, and looking at it unfiltered can cause permanent retinal damage without any sensation of pain at the time. Certified eclipse glasses must stay on for the entire event, and optical equipment needs proper solar filters fitted at the front.
How long will annularity last where I am?
Up to 7 minutes and 51 seconds at the point of maximum, which falls in the Atlantic. On land in Patagonia you can expect several minutes near the centreline, shortening as you move toward the path's edges. Outside the path entirely you see a partial eclipse, which is interesting but is not the ring.
Argentina or Chile — which side is better?
Argentina, for most people. The Chilean section of the path sits downwind of the Andes and has a higher likelihood of cloud, while northern Argentine Patagonia is drier with wide open horizons in February. Argentina also has better road access for repositioning on the day, which is the deciding factor for anyone serious about actually seeing it.
Is this the same as the 2027 total eclipse over Egypt?
No — 2027 has two separate solar eclipses. This annular one on February 6 crosses South America and West Africa. A separate total eclipse follows on August 2, 2027, crossing North Africa including Egypt, with an exceptionally long period of totality. They are different events requiring different trips.
Fact-Checking & Sources
Status: CONFIRMED · Last verified against the sources below on 2026-09-12. Event dates, venues, and pricing can change — always confirm critical details on the official event website before booking non-refundable travel.
- Official SourceNASA — Future Eclipses
- Authoritative SourceTimeAndDate — Annular Solar Eclipse of February 6, 2027: Path Map & Times
- Authoritative SourceEclipsophile — Annular Solar Eclipse February 6, 2027 climate analysis
