Science
NASA releases images and research data from the August 2026 total solar eclipse
Researchers collected observations from Spain, Iceland, high-altitude aircraft, and orbit to study the solar corona and atmospheric shifts.
The short version
- NASA documented the August 12, 2026, total solar eclipse across multiple vantage points, including ground sites in Europe and North America, research aircraft, and the International Space Station.
- Scientific instruments measured the structure of the Sun's corona, solar prominences, and temporary changes in Earth's lower atmosphere caused by the eclipse shadow.
- Multiple research institutions will spend the coming months analyzing the collected data to refine solar models ahead of another total solar eclipse in August 2027.
Key facts
- A total solar eclipse passed over Greenland, Iceland, and Spain on August 12, 2026.[NASA News]
- A NASA WB-57F research jet flew at 50,000 feet off Iceland's coast through the shadow to record visible and infrared imagery of the corona and solar prominences.[NASA News]
- The International Space Station, orbiting 262 miles above Quebec, experienced an 18% partial eclipse while being photographed from Maine as it transited the Sun.[NASA News]
- Student teams with the Nationwide Eclipse Ballooning Project launched atmospheric monitoring balloons in Spain and Iceland despite overcast ground conditions in Iceland.[NASA News]
- Researchers at the Southwest Research Institute and Predictive Science Inc. are analyzing observational imagery to evaluate predictive models of the corona's shape.[NASA News]