The Moon seemingly photo-bombed a direct image of the Sun from NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory in an unlikely turn of events this month.
While widely recognized as a "photobomb," this latest obvious space crossing was named a lunar transit, and it lasted from 3:05 PM to 3:53 PM ET for a complete 50 minutes.
Photobomb!!!! https://t.co/YxxU21hRQR — NASA Moon (@NASAMoon) October 19, 2020
How Did It Photobomb? Did It Take Much Space?
The Earth's Moon was able to shade a spectacular 44 percent of the whole Sun at its very height! The Moon was also able to cover only two of the very fine guidance sensors of the spacecraft at this provided moment, which then caused its whole vision of the Sun to jitter slightly.
The spacecraft is identified as the SDO and, only shortly after the whole lunar transit concluded, it has already regained its very own steady vision. Now, life is back to usual because, as of the moment, the Sun is distinctly beyond their vision.
The Sun's own lower half already literally reveals two separate active zones. According to a report by NASA, these regions are noted for their strong magnetic fields centered on the Sun, and are also correlated with noted solar activity as well as eruptions.
Activities Are Not Just Extension, But Also Observation
According to another NASA article, scientists actually expect many more active regions to emerge one by one in the coming months, now that the whole Solar Cycle 25 is already underway. SDO took these pictures at a wavelength of intense ultraviolet radiation. This kind of light is transparent to the sight of man, and gold is colored here.
With the latest arrival of three new astronauts to the International Space Station, NASA has certainly been moving hard. The space agency is already collaborating on various ventures but still engaging with private firms including SpaceX to speed up the whole process with their multiple programs.
A Plan for NASA and SpaceX to Hit Mars
In addition to extension, such as the newly confirmed solid proposal for both NASA and SpaceX to hit the Moon and then later on Mars, certain observational activities are often dealt with by the space agency.
These activities include studying all the Planet, the Moon, and the Sun to research and appreciate the evidence and keep scientists mindful of any possible risks.
Aside from expansion, observation is one of NASA's top objectives. This is why the Solar Dynamics Observatory closely watches the Sun, which only happened to be photobombed by the Moon during its filming.
Solar vs. Lunar Transit: What's the difference?
The Sun's lunar transits are a type of solar eclipse for SDO in orbit. Every 18 months, a solar eclipse happens somewhere on Earth. If the Moon covers the Sun (as seen from Earth), a total solar eclipse happens. But we are fortunate to witness it at all.
The Moon seems to fully obscure the Sun in entirety since the two stars in Earth's sky are almost the same height. That's because the Sun is 400 times greater than the Moon, and the Moon is 400 times nearer to our planet.
ALSO READ
Neil DeGrasse Tyson: Refrigerator-Sized Asteroid Could Hit Earth
NASA Is Sending An Astronaut to ISS Onboard A Russian Rocket, But Why?
