August 26, 2022
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun. Scientists throughout history have observed solar eclipses to learn more about the Sun, the Moon, and the rest of the solar system. On June 29, 2022, the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) captured images of a partial solar eclipse that was only visible from space. High resolution images captured by the SDO help scientists better understand the telescope’s optics and improve future imaging techniques.
The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) topography map of the lunar surface (top). The red dots correspond to lunar surface features seen in the SDO image of the solar eclipse from June 29, 2022. Image credit: NASA/SDO/LRO/Patricio Leon