Astronomy Picture of the Day
Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our
fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation
written by a professional astronomer.
2024 March 24
Part of the the Earth is pictured with blue seas and white clouds. On
the upper left is a deep space dark background. On the Earth a large
dark spot is apparent. Please see the explanation for more detailed
information.
Looking Back at an Eclipsed Earth
Image Credit: Mir 27 Crew; Copyright: CNES
Explanation: Here is what the Earth looks like during a solar eclipse.
The shadow of the Moon can be seen darkening part of Earth. This shadow
moved across the Earth at nearly 2000 kilometers per hour. Only
observers near the center of the dark circle see a total solar eclipse
- others see a partial eclipse where only part of the Sun appears
blocked by the Moon. This spectacular picture of the 1999 August 11
solar eclipse was one of the last ever taken from the Mir space
station. The two bright spots that appear on the upper left are thought
to be Jupiter and Saturn. Mir was deorbited in a controlled re-entry in
2001. A new solar eclipse will occur over North America in about two
weeks.
Tomorrow's picture: open see
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Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP)
NASA Official: Amber Straughn Specific rights apply.
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A service of: ASD at NASA / GSFC,
NASA Science Activation
& Michigan Tech. U.
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* Origin: The Rusty MailBox - Penticton, BC Canada (1:153/757)
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