For the first time, eclipses will be created independently of celestial mechanics
The unique experiment “Proba-3” to create long-lasting solar eclipses will take place this fall in Earth’s orbit. The European Space Agency intends to do this with the help of two spacecraft.
The pair of satellites will fly together relative to the Sun, with one casting a precisely controlled shadow on the other, ESA said. In this way, the first artificial solar eclipse will be created, lasting at least 6 hours.
This arrangement of satellites, simulating the relative position of the Earth and the Moon relative to the Sun, will open the corona of the Sun to observers on Earth for a longer study (usually it is not visible from -for bright sunlight).
The two Proba-3 satellites, which will be launched simultaneously this fall, will fly 144 meters apart, creating 6-hour eclipses during each orbit. Apart from its scientific interest, this experiment will be an ideal method for demonstrating the precise positioning of the two platforms.
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