The four astronauts aboard Artemis II are set to witness a rare solar eclipse as they fly over the far side of the Moon—a moment that coincides with a new record for the farthest distance humans have ever traveled from Earth.
The crew—commander Reid Wiseman, NASA astronauts Victor Glover and Christina Koch, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen—will be able to observe the eclipse for nearly an hour near the end of a six-hour observation window.
According to NASA, the phenomenon occurs as the Sun passes behind the Moon from the perspective of the Orion capsule, temporarily blocking sunlight in a way that cannot be seen from Earth.
During this period, the astronauts will see the Moon in near darkness, creating ideal conditions to spot flashes of light from meteorite impacts on the lunar surface, as well as dust rising along its კიდ edge. They may also observe deep-space objects, including planets, under unusually clear conditions.
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As the Sun moves behind the Moon, the crew will also be able to view the solar corona—the outermost layer of the Sun’s atmosphere—offering a rare scientific and visual opportunity.
Kelsey Young, a science lead for Artemis II, described the moment as “poetic,” highlighting both its scientific importance and its symbolic value for humanity.
The six-hour observation period will also focus on gathering data about the Moon’s geological features, including craters, ancient lava flows, fractures, and ridges. Scientists hope the data will help improve understanding of how the Moon and the broader solar system formed.
Beyond science, NASA says the mission aims to inspire future generations and strengthen humanity’s connection to its closest celestial neighbor.
