The upcoming solar eclipse in 2026, visible from Greenland, Iceland, Spain, and the Balearic Islands, promises to be a breathtaking spectacle for those on Earth. But for the astronauts of the Artemis II mission, the experience will be truly out of this world. As an anthropologist who studies awe-inspiring aspects of space exploration, I can't help but be excited about the unique perspective these astronauts will have. While we on Earth will witness a stunning celestial event, the astronauts will be in a position to see something even more extraordinary: a total solar eclipse from space.
What makes this particular eclipse so fascinating is the rare opportunity it presents for those in space. The Artemis II astronauts will be able to observe the Sun's corona, or outer atmosphere, which is normally too dim to be seen from Earth. This is because, during a total solar eclipse, the Moon moves in front of the Sun, blocking its bright circle and allowing us to see the corona's undulating rays. But for the astronauts, the view will be even more spectacular, as they will be in a position to see the eclipse from the Moon's perspective.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this eclipse is the phenomenon known as 'earthshine'. As the astronauts fly around the Moon, they will be able to see sunlight reflecting off the Earth and onto the Moon. This dim light is very similar to the moonlight that shines on the Earth at night, creating a hazy halo around the Moon's edges. It's a striking sight, and one that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on the astronauts.
But what makes this experience even more profound is the psychological impact it can have. Researchers have studied the effects of awe on the human brain, and it's clear that moments of wonder like these can transform how we feel and even how we think. In my own work, I've found that these experiences can change how astronauts understand their place in the universe, making them more thoughtful and open-minded.
One astronaut, for example, described gaining an awareness of the fragility of our planet that now shapes everything she does. Another said that the awe she experienced in lunar orbit changed her understanding of time and infinity. It's clear that these experiences can have a profound impact on the human psyche, and it's something that I find particularly fascinating.
Of course, the experience will be even more intense for the astronauts, who will be in a position to see the eclipse from a completely different perspective. As Mission Commander Reid Wiseman put it, the experience will require '20 new superlatives'. It's an experience that most of us on Earth will only dream about, but it's a reminder of the incredible beauty and wonder of our universe, and the profound impact it can have on the human spirit.
