NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory Captures the Moment the Moon Passed in Front of the Sun on June 29
Solar eclipse viewed from the SDO satellite on June 29. (Photo: NASA)
According to Space Weather, the solar eclipse on June 29 lasted about 35 minutes and could only be observed from space using the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). At its peak, the Moon covered 67% of the Sun.
The images captured by SDO are of such high resolution that they reveal mountains and the rugged surface at the edge of the Moon, illuminated from behind by the Sun’s fiery glow.
Launched in February 2010, SDO is part of NASA’s network of solar research satellites, along with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
The satellite captures images of the Sun every 0.75 seconds, allowing scientists to monitor the magnetic field, atmosphere, sunspots, and other aspects that affect the star’s activity in its regular 11-year cycle.
“SDO studies how the Sun works and influences space weather. Its measurements of material, atmosphere, magnetic fields, and energy levels of the Sun help us understand more about our star,” emphasized NASA.
The rugged terrain at the edge of the Moon illuminated by the Sun’s fiery glow. (Photo: NASA)
Recently, the Sun has been quite active as it has entered the strongest phase of its 11-year cycle, which began in 2019 and is expected to peak in 2025. This has led to an increase in solar flares and significant plasma release along with accompanying magnetic fields from the solar corona.
On June 21, NOAA reported the discovery of a sunspot nearly three times the size of Earth on the Sun’s surface. The sunspot, named AR3038, has the potential to produce strong flares directed towards our planet, leading to geomagnetic storms that threaten power grids and artificial satellites.
