SDO's Version of an Eclipse

A CLOSER LOOK

On the 8th anniversary of its launch in 2010, NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) captured a total solar eclipse (Feb. 11, 2018) when Earth crossed in front of the sun. It lasted just 31 minutes. This cosmic event was not visible from Earth. Due to its geosynchronous orbit, there is a three-week period that occurs twice a year during which Earth briefly blocks SDO's view of the sun. The video clip, which shows the sun in a wavelength of extreme ultraviolet light, covers about an hour and a half near the time of the eclipse. The video can be viewed at https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA22259

Explore NASA's original image record for credits and available downloads.