A solar eclipse looks completely different when you’re looking down at it from space

Astonishing images show what a total solar eclipse looks like when viewed from space.

A spectacular solar event is underway today as large parts of the US will be able to view a total solar eclipse.

What makes this eclipse so special?

While they happen fairly regularly – about once every 18 months – solar eclipses are only visible at certain points on the Earth’s surface.

The eclipses follow a line along the Earth, with anyone who is on that line being able to see them.

A lot of the time this line crosses over the middle of the ocean or in a very remote place, in which case very few people will be able to see it, if anyone.

But less commonly the eclipse’s path will pass over an area where lots of people will be able to see it, as is the case today.

Who will be able to see tonight’s solar eclipse?

Beginning its tour of the US in south western Texas, the eclipse’s line will move north east before it exits the US all the way up in Maine.

And as long as you’re careful, you can view it if you’re on that line.

How a total solar eclipse looks from here on Earth. Space Frontiers/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

What does a total solar eclipse look like from space?

When we look up at an eclipse from the Earth, though for the sake of your eyesight please don’t look at it directly, we see the Moon moving across the Sun and blocking it out temporarily.

From space, this looks rather sinister as it is effectively the Moon casting its shadow over the Earth’s surface.

So viewing the event from space, you would see an enormous shadow being cast over the surface of the Earth.

Think of that scene in The Lord of the Ringswhen Sauron’s eye is turned to Gondor and shadow falls across it, except without a dark lord hell-bent on reclaiming their magic jewellery. At least one would hope.

And this is how it appears from space. NASA/JSC

Terry Virts is a former astronaut who worked on the International Space Station, and shared his experience of this remarkable event.

He told USA TODAY: “It was unlike anything I’ve ever seen. I joke I’m glad they told us there was an eclipse because it would have been unsettling to look down at Earth and see this black spot moving across. It was really cool.”

The astronaut described seeing an eclipse which not many people would have been able to see.

He said: “When I was in space in 2015, we saw an eclipse over the North Atlantic.

”

It was an eclipse that very few humans saw I think, but it was a really unique experience to look down and just see this big black circle kind of moving across the planet.”

Topics: News, US News, Space, Science, NASA, International Space Station

Astronaut reveals what it’s like in space during a solar eclipse

Retired astronaut Terry Virts saw a huge shadow cast over Earth that ‘wasn’t natural’

While many of us will get the chance to observe a solar eclipse next week, one man got to witness one from space.

On April 8, 2024, dwellers of Mexico, the United States and Canada will be able to look up into the sky and witness a total solar eclipse.

If you’re unfamiliar, then the latter event will see the moon passing between the Sun and the Earth.

This movement will cause the sky darken and NASA advises that keen viewers wear specialized eye protection which is designed for solar viewing.

After Monday, you may be able to brag that you’ve seen a total solar eclipse – but can you imagine having the chance to witness it from actual space?

Luis Barron / Eyepix Group/Future Publishing via Getty Images

In March 2015, retired astronaut Terry Virts became one of the elite number of people who have seen an eclipse up close and personal.

Recounting the rare experience, the NASA expert recently revealed he was onboard the International Space Station (ISS) at the time of the eclipse.

Speaking to Mashable, the former ISS commander described a huge shadow cast over Earth, what he called a ‘big, dark thing that wasn’t natural’.

He said that he took in the spectacle from 250 miles up in space and had been peering out of the windows of the space station with a fellow astronaut.

“It blew me away,” he explained. “It’s an amazing, amazing experience.”

As well as witnessing a total eclipse in space, Virts experienced a partial one from Earth in 2017.

Michael Tullberg/Getty Images

Comparing the two ‘unnatural’ occurrences, he told the publication: “On a scale of one to ten, a partial eclipse is a seven. And a total eclipse is a million.”

Richard Fienberg, an astronomer and senior advisor at the American Astronomical Society, also said that you ‘can’t overhype’ experiencing a total solar eclipse.

Ahead of the upcoming spectacle, experts have issued a warning to those who are willing to travel the length and breadth of the country to gain the best vantage point.

Aixa Diaz, a spokesperson for the American Automobile Association, warned USA Todayreaders by saying they should be willing to ‘pack their patience’.

He said: “Whether traveling a great distance or locally, people will be out and about to catch a glimpse of the eclipse.”
Lorain, a city in Ohio, is located on the edge of the eclipse’s central path and residents have been advised to cancel scheduled appointments on the day of the eclipse.