Solar eclipse on Moon: Blue Ghost sees solar eclipse from Moon. First pictures inside
The lunar probe BlueGhost made history early this morning, capturing its first solar eclipse from the Moon.
The spacecraft observed a stunning phenomenon as the Earth obscured the Sun, creating a glowing ring of light visible in the reflection of its solar panel.
This breathtaking moment marked a significant milestone in space exploration, showcasing the unique perspective from the lunar surface.
The solar eclipse was particularly notable as it provided a rare opportunity to witness the Earth’s shadow cast over the Sun from the Moon’s Mare Crisium landing site.
BlueGhost then captured an image of the Sun just before it emerged from totality behind Earth, presenting what is often referred to as the “diamond ring” effect. This visual display occurs when sunlight shines through the rugged terrain of the Moon, creating a stunning visual spectacle.
Solar eclipses on the Moon are infrequent and can only be observed from specific areas on its near side. Unlike the Earth, where solar eclipses are visible to a wider audience, lunar observers experience these events in a limited capacity due to the Moon’s orbital dynamics.
This event not only highlights the technological advancements in space exploration but also enhances our understanding of celestial mechanics. Observations like those made by BlueGhost contribute valuable data to scientists studying eclipses and their effects on both lunar and terrestrial environments.
The images captured by BlueGhost will undoubtedly inspire future generations of astronomers and space enthusiasts alike.
Earlier, the lander successfully drilled into the Moon’s surface as part of its ongoing mission to explore the lunar interior. It measured two critical aspects of the Moon’s thermal properties: the thermal gradient, which involves tracking temperature changes at various depths, and thermal conductivity, which assesses how well subsurface materials conduct heat.
Blue Ghost successfully landed on the moon on March 2, 2025, in the Mare Crisium region, marking a significant milestone as the first commercial company to achieve a soft landing on the lunar surface.
The lander is equipped with ten NASA instruments aimed at supporting future human missions under the Artemis program