Annular solar eclipse in Chiloé 2027: Date, times and where to see it
On February 6, 2027, the skies over southern Chile will become a unique spectacle: an annular solar eclipse , the famous "ring of fire," will cross the Chiloé archipelago, the Los Lagos region, and northern Aysén . For lovers of astronomy, photography, and nature tourism, this phenomenon represents an exceptional opportunity.
Why will this phenomenon occur?
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth , casting its shadow on our planet. In a total eclipse, the Moon completely covers the solar disk. But in an annular solar eclipse , the Moon is at the point in its orbit farthest from Earth (near apogee ), so its apparent size is smaller than that of the Sun.
The result is that it does not completely cover it, leaving visible a thin, bright ring of sunlight around the dark silhouette of the Moon: the famous "ring of fire" .
This eclipse is part of Saros 131 , an astronomical cycle of approximately 18 years, 11 days and 8 hours , and its path of annularity will cross nine countries , including Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil and several African nations, although southern Chile will be one of the most privileged points on the planet to witness it.
Where will it be shown in Chiloé?
The annularity strip , which is the narrow zone where the complete ring will be visible, has an approximate width of 130 kilometers and crosses the Chiloé archipelago.
According to available calculations, to observe the complete ring within the island, one must be located south of Quemchi , with Quellón and Chonchi being some of the highlights along the path.
In Quellón , for example, the annularity could last for more than 7 minutes , a remarkable duration when compared to other annular eclipses in the world.
Further south, towns like Futaleufú , Chaitén and Palena , outside of Chiloé but easily accessible from the island, will offer the maximum duration of the ring of fire , close to 7 minutes and 30 seconds , positioning themselves as one of the best places on the planet to experience this event.
Those in areas further north of the island, such as Ancúd or Castro , will also be able to witness a large partial eclipse , with the Sun covered to a very high percentage, although without the complete ring.
Times and duration of the annular solar eclipse
The phenomenon will begin on the morning of Saturday, February 6, with the partial phase starting shortly after 10:00 AM . The annular phase , or the ring of fire, will occur around midday , between approximately 11:46 AM and 12:00 PM , depending on the exact observation point, and the total eclipse will culminate after 1:30 PM .
How to watch it safely
Looking directly at the sun, even during an eclipse, can cause serious and irreversible eye damage , so safety must be the top priority. It is essential to use certified eclipse glasses (with an ISO 12312-2 solar filter), and never ordinary sunglasses, no matter how dark they may appear.
If you plan to observe the phenomenon with binoculars, a telescope, or a camera, these devices must also have a specific solar filter placed on the front of the lens. An equally safe alternative is indirect projection , for example, using a perforated cardboard that projects the image of the Sun onto a surface, thus avoiding direct observation.
Under no circumstances should it be viewed through an optical device without the appropriate filter, not even for a few seconds.
Will it be possible to photograph it?
Yes, and it will be a real creative challenge for those who enjoy astrophotography . The key is a certified solar filter, always placed at the front of the lens and never near the sensor, along with a telephoto lens , ideally 300mm or longer, that allows you to capture the detail of the ring of fire.
A tripod is essential for maintaining stability during precise exposures, and it is recommended to practice focusing and exposure in advance, as the annularity moment lasts only a few minutes.
Many photographers also take advantage of the landscape of Chiloé, stilt houses, forests, sea and southern skies, to achieve composite shots that combine the astronomical phenomenon with the visual identity of the archipelago.
Those without a professional camera can also capture the annular solar eclipse with their smartphones , although with more modest expectations. The essential thing is to cover the lens with a solar filter to avoid damaging the sensor. Since the phone's zoom is limited, it's best to focus on the landscape and surroundings rather than a close-up of the ring of fire.
Activating manual or professional mode , if the equipment allows it, helps control exposure and prevent the image from being blown out of focus.
Eclipse Special in Chiloé – February 2027 (5 days / 4 nights)
After the annular solar eclipse: Chiloé awaits with its own treasures
Experiencing the Ring of Fire is just the beginning. Chiloé is a destination that invites you to stay and discover its culture, mythology, and unique landscapes .
The churches of Chiloé , declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, are a must-see: 16 temples built entirely of wood, without a single metal nail, among which those of Castro , Achao and Dalcahue stand out.
A short walk from these same towns you can visit the stilt houses of Castro and Dalcahue , the colorful houses built on stilts by the sea that have become the symbol of the Chiloé landscape.
For nature lovers, Chiloé National Park offers native forests, dunes and beaches where species such as the pudú and the Chilote fox coexist, ideal for hiking and wildlife observation.
Local culture is also experienced through its Chilote mythology , with legends such as El Caleuche , La Pincoya and El Trauco , present both in museums and in the stories that the island's inhabitants still tell today.
In terms of gastronomy, a must-try is curanto , the traditional dish cooked underground with seafood, potatoes, and meats, which encapsulates much of Chiloé's identity. Another unmissable spot is Quinchao Island , with the town of Achao and one of the oldest churches in the archipelago, as well as the Pier of Souls , a scenic viewpoint steeped in spiritual symbolism.
The annular solar eclipse of February 6, 2027, will make Chiloé one of the most talked-about astronomical destinations of the year . But beyond the celestial spectacle, the island offers the opportunity to connect with a land of sea, myth, and wood , where every corner tells a story.
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