AI Insight
On August 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse will be visible across parts of Europe, allowing brief observation of the Sun's corona when the Moon blocks the solar disc. Because total solar eclipses are rare and last only minutes, ESA has developed space missions that artificially create eclipse-like conditions and uses computer models to simulate the corona. These approaches enable extended study of the Sun's outer atmosphere beyond the limited windows provided by natural eclipses.
Why it matters
Studying the solar corona is crucial for understanding solar activity, space weather, and phenomena that can affect Earth's technology and communications systems. Artificial eclipses and simulations allow continuous research that would otherwise be restricted to rare, brief natural events.
Understand the Science
On 12 August 2026, parts of Europe will experience a total solar eclipse. With the Sun’s bright disc covered, its surrounding atmosphere – the solar corona – will become visible to the naked eye. Unfortunately, total solar eclipses are rare and last at most a few minutes, giving scientists little time to study the Sun’s enigmatic halo.
This is why ESA developed missions that create eclipses artificially, and why experts use computer models to create digital simulations. So how do we do it, and why is it important?
Source: How ESA mimics and models the 2026 total solar eclipse