Earth's Place in the Sun
Satellites help us observe and learn about many types of solar phenomena from space, including space weather and events that we can observe here on Earth.
Below are some examples.
The sun observed from behind the earth.
Common types of Solar Phenomena
Solar Eclipse
During a solar eclipse, the moon moves between the sun and the Earth, causing its shadow to move across the planet.
Learn more about eclipses
Changing of the Seasons
Throughout the year, seasons change as different parts of the planet receive more of the sun's rays due to the planet's tilt.
Learn more about the changing seasons
Sunrise and Sunset
We can see the sun rise and set via satellite by watching the solar terminator, the moving line that divides the daylit and dark night side of the planet.
Learn more about the solar terminator
Sunglint
When sunlight is reflected off the Earth's surface at the same angle that the satellite's sensor views it, the effect is known as sunglint.
See more examples of sunglint