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Longer sentences, more descriptive words (about B1)

Longer sentences, more descriptive words (about B1)

Watching the 2026 Total Solar Eclipse

Composite of the August 12, 2026 total solar eclipse over a sunflower field in San Millán de los Caballeros, Spain. NASA photo by Bill Ingalls.
Composite of the August 12, 2026 total solar eclipse over a sunflower field in San Millán de los Caballeros, Spain. NASA photo by Bill Ingalls.

On August 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse occurred across parts of Spain, Greenland, and Iceland. During the main event, the moon completely covered the sun for about two minutes. This event allowed observers to see the outer atmosphere of the sun, which is called the corona.

Totality with a solar prominence, photographed from San Millán de los Caballeros, Spain, on August 12, 2026. NASA photo by Bill Ingalls.
Totality with a solar prominence, photographed from San Millán de los Caballeros, Spain, on August 12, 2026. NASA photo by Bill Ingalls.

In San Millán de los Caballeros, a special multi-exposure photo captured the path of the eclipse over a sunflower field. In nearby locations, the partial phase began in the evening and ended around sunset. Observers also noticed a giant loop of hot gas extending into space.

NASA scientists conducted several studies during the alignment. Researchers used high-altitude aircraft in Iceland to take detailed pictures of the corona. Another team sent up balloons with sensors to test environmental changes caused by the loss of sunlight.

Why do you think scientists use aircraft and balloons to study solar eclipses instead of just using ground cameras?

Adapted from NASA Earth Observatory.

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