NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) captures partial Lunar Transit

Image Credit: NASA/SDO

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.

Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) Image: Lunar Transit

On Jan. 30, 2014, beginning at 8:31 a.m EST, the moon moved between NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO), and the sun, giving the observatory a view of a partial solar eclipse from space. 

Such a lunar transit happens two to three times each year. 

This one lasted two and one half hours, which is the longest ever recorded. 

When the next one will occur is as of yet unknown, due to planned adjustments in SDO's orbit.

Image Credit: NASA/SDO

A rainbow of lunar transits as seen by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). 

The observatory watches the sun in many different wavelengths of light, shown here as different colour.

Image Credit: NASA/SDO