Spacecraft sees Earth eclipse the fiery Sun

  • 01 Apr 2011

This spectacular image of the half-blocked sun was captured 29 March when the orbiting Solar Dynamics Observatory slipped behind the Earth.

SDO shoots dazzling photos and videos of the sun from 22,000 miles above Earth's surface. Twice a year, the spacecraft enters an eclipse season when the Earth blocks its view for up to 72 minutes a day.

Unlike the sharp shadow seen during a lunar eclipse, the Earth's shadow has a ragged edge because of its variable atmosphere. Spots where the atmosphere is denser block more sunlight than spots where it is thinner. Brighter spots on the sun can penetrate the atmosphere, too, sending beautiful tendrils through Earth's shadow.