Science and Exploration

Solar Dynamics Observatory Captures A Lunar Transit

By Keith Cowing
July 29, 2014
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Solar Dynamics Observatory Captures A Lunar Transit
Lunar Transit
NASA

On July 26, 2014, from 10:57 a.m. to 11:42 a.m. EDT, the moon crossed between NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) and the sun, a phenomenon called a lunar transit.
A lunar transit happens approximately twice a year, causing a partial solar eclipse that can only be seen from SDO’s point of view. Images of the eclipse show a crisp lunar horizon, because the moon has no atmosphere that would distort light. This image shows the blended result of two SDO wavelengths – one in 304 wavelength and another in 171 wavelength.

Image Credit: NASA/SDO Larger image

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