In a groundbreaking space mission, the European Space Agency (ESA) has revealed the first-ever artificial solar eclipses created by two satellites flying in precise formation. The innovative Proba-3 mission, launched in late 2023, has been generating on-demand solar eclipses since March 2024 to study the sun's mysterious corona.
The satellites operate 150 meters apart while orbiting tens of thousands of kilometers above Earth. One spacecraft acts as an 'occulting disk' to block sunlight, mimicking the moon's role during natural eclipses, while its partner captures unprecedented views of the sun's outer atmosphere using specialized telescopes.
ESA scientists showcased the first images at the Paris Air Show this week, demonstrating how this technological marvel provides hours of controlled observation time. Unlike natural eclipses that last minutes, this artificial approach allows extended study of solar winds and magnetic fields that influence space weather affecting Earth.
"This mission opens new frontiers in heliophysics," said an ESA project lead. "By creating eclipses on demand, we can better understand solar phenomena that impact satellite operations and power grids." The achievement highlights Europe's growing role in space innovation while offering new tools for global climate and space weather research.
