The Perseverance rover just witnessed a unique kind of eclipse while sitting on the surface of Mars -- and the robotic explorer captured video of it.
Sign up for CNN's Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more.
And although it looks like the rover was watching the shadow of a potato cross the red Martian surface, that's actually Phobos, one of Mars' two little moons. Perseverance observed the 40-second eclipse on April 2. If this sounds much shorter than a typical solar eclipse we might see from Earth when our moon passes in front of the sun, it's because Phobos is about 157 times smaller than our moon.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
NASA's Perseverance rover captures video of solar eclipse on MarsNASA's Perseverance Mars rover has captured dramatic footage of Phobos, Mars' potato-shaped moon, crossing the face of the Sun. These observations can help scientists better understand the moon's orbit and how its gravity pulls on the Martian surface, ultimately shaping the Red Planet's crust and mantle.
Read more »
Perseverance rover arrives at ancient Mars river deltaPerseverance's search for Mars life might strike gold here.
Read more »
Wow! Perseverance Sees a Solar Eclipse on MarsImagine standing on Mars, and seeing this with your own eyes. The Perseverance rover watched as the potato-shaped moon Phobos passed in front of the Sun, from the vantage point of Jezero Crater on Mars. Perseverance used its high-resolution Mastcam-Z camera system to shoot video of Phobos, and NASA says the result is the most … Continue reading 'Wow! Perseverance Sees a Solar Eclipse on Mars'
Read more »
Wow! Perseverance rover captures gorgeous video of solar eclipse on MarsThese are truly otherworldly shots.
Read more »
Stunning New NASA Video Reveals Dramatic Solar Eclipse on MarsImagine standing on Mars, and seeing this with your own eyes.
Read more »
John Carter of Mars #1 Review: The Classic Martian Adventure Returns With a New SpinJohn Carter of Mars 1 introduces Edgar Rice Burroughs' classic hero to a new generation of comics readers. Check out our full review here:
Read more »