Exploring the Sun Like Never Before
Solar eclipses are spectacular events that not only mesmerize spectators but also provide vital opportunities to study the Sun’s atmosphere. The European Space Agency (ESA) has taken a groundbreaking step with its Proba-3 mission. This innovative mission allows scientists to generate artificial solar eclipses from space. Two satellites fly in precise formation, maintaining a distance of 150 meters apart. One satellite blocks the Sun, while the other captures the faint glow of the solar corona.
The Proba-3 mission offers a remarkable capability to create a new solar eclipse every 19.6 hours. This means researchers can observe the solar corona during a six-hour eclipse at regular intervals. Such frequent observations will enhance our understanding of solar dynamics and the effects on Earth.
