NASA captures stunning solar eclipses from space in 2025

On April 27 and 28, 2025, NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, which is orbiting high above Earth, observed two solar eclipses. The first eclipse, on April 27, was a partial solar eclipse that blocked 23% of the sun's surface, occurring during the new moon. The following day, April 28, witnessed another partial eclipse where only 2% of the sun was obscured. These events, referred to as 'lunar transits' by NASA, highlight the unique perspective of the spacecraft as it can witness eclipses that are not visible from Earth. The Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) aimed to monitor the solar surface and gather data about solar activity. Its vantage point allows for an unusual view of the moon during these eclipses, showing features that can differ from those observable from the Earth's surface. Occasional images reveal mountains on the moon, illustrating the differences in viewing perspectives provided by the spacecraft. In conjunction with the SDO's observations, the European Space Agency's Solar Orbiter sent back an impressive image of the sun's corona, an area of extreme interest for scientists studying solar effects, including solar wind. Solar wind is a continuous stream of charged particles emitted from the sun, which can have significant impacts on Earth's space weather, affecting satellites and communication systems. While the recent partial eclipses seen by the SDO were notable, they were not the first instances of eclipses observed from space. Historically, astronauts aboard different missions have captured similar events. The next solar eclipse visible from Earth will be on September 21, 2025, appearing predominantly over New Zealand and the South Pacific, while the next total solar eclipse is set for August 12, 2026. The upcoming total eclipse promises to be a significant event, allowing the moon to completely obscure the sun and expose its corona, a spectacular sight for onlookers.