Proba-2 Captures the Moment When the Moon Passes in Front of the Sun

On 8 April 2024, people across North America were treated to the stunning spectacle of a total solar eclipse. As the Moon passed between the Earth and the Sun, it completely blocked out the Sun’s light for a few minutes, plunging the area into darkness. However, those outside the “total eclipse path” still had the opportunity to witness a partial eclipse, where the Moon only partially obscured the Sun.

During this incredible event, the European Space Agency’s Proba-2 satellite captured two partial solar eclipses as the Moon crossed its field of view. Proba-2 orbits around 700 km above the Earth’s surface in what is known as a Sun-synchronous orbit. Each orbit lasts approximately 100 minutes, providing ample opportunities for scientific observations.

The remarkable video footage was created using images taken by Proba-2’s SWAP telescope, which observes the Sun in extreme ultraviolet light. This wavelength allows scientists to see the turbulent nature of the Sun’s surface and its extended atmosphere, known as the corona. To obtain these measurements, space-based observations are necessary because Earth’s atmosphere does not permit short wavelengths of light to pass through.

Although observing solar eclipses from Earth’s surface allows scientists to study the corona using visible light, a total solar eclipse offers a unique opportunity to observe it precisely. With the Moon blocking most of the Sun’s bright light, the faint corona becomes visible. By comparing the ultraviolet images captured by SWAP with visible light observations made from telescopes on Earth, researchers can gain insights into the temperature and behavior of different structures within the corona.

The recent total solar eclipse also presented valuable measurement opportunities for other solar missions. For instance, ESA’s Solar Orbiter was strategically positioned close to the Sun and at a 90-degree angle from Earth’s viewpoint throughout the eclipse. This positioning allowed Solar Orbiter to complement Earth-based observations by directly monitoring the Sun’s corona from a side-on perspective. This vantage point was especially significant for observing any solar eruptions or flares that could pose a threat to Earth.

The collaboration between Proba-2 and Solar Orbiter, alongside Earth-based observations, represents a comprehensive approach to studying the Sun and its coronal activities. By analyzing the combined data from these diverse sources, scientists can enhance their understanding of our nearest star, enabling more accurate predictions of space weather events and their potential impacts on our planet.

In conclusion, both Proba-2 and Solar Orbiter played crucial roles in capturing the awe-inspiring moments of the 8 April 2024 total solar eclipse. These missions provided valuable data on the Sun’s corona, shedding light on its complex structures and behavior. By studying the corona using multiple wavelengths and observation perspectives, scientists are making strides towards unlocking the mysteries of our closest celestial neighbor. With a deeper understanding of the Sun and its influence on our planet, researchers can better safeguard against space weather events and their potential consequences.