Eclipse Chasers Achieve the Impossible

In a groundbreaking feat that challenges the norms of astronomy, a dedicated trio of eclipse enthusiasts has successfully captured the solar corona—an ethereal outer atmosphere of the sun—during a partial solar eclipse. This unprecedented achievement took place on March 29, 2025, in the picturesque landscapes of Quebec, Canada.

The Unique Capture of the Solar Corona

Typically, the solar corona is only visible during the fleeting moments of totality in a total solar eclipse. However, Mike Kentrianakis, an experienced eclipse chaser and astrophotographer, alongside fellow passionate astronomer Kevin Wood, braved the brisk temperatures of 14°F (-10°C) to document this extraordinary phenomenon.

Unanticipated Discovery At Sunrise

Filming the spectacular sunrise at 6:22 a.m. EDT, while the sun was already eclipsed by 87%, they aimed for the impressive sight of the sun's horns framing the moon. "It felt like a magnificent car was driving straight toward us," Kentrianakis stated. To their astonishment, their visuals revealed faint traces of the solar corona, an awe-inspiring sight that led to further processing and sharing across social platforms.

A Photographic Marvel

Unlike other photographers, Kentrianakis and his team uniquely showcased the dark silhouette of the moon against the halo of the corona, a feature seldom seen. While they were unable to view it with the naked eye, the contrast allowed for a stunning photographic portrayal that drew significant attention, including a feature as NASA's "Astronomy Picture of the Day."

Why Was the Corona Visible?

Traditionally, astronomers believed the solar corona could only be observed during total eclipses, as it appears about a million times fainter than the sun's bright disk. The challenge of seeing it is further amplified during daytime due to Rayleigh scattering, which renders the sky much brighter than the faint corona.

Yet, extraordinary conditions over the St. Lawrence River, coupled with the significant obscuration of the sun (88%), allowed Kentrianakis to block the sun's photosphere using Earth itself, revealing the corona momentarily. Atmospheric clarity and positioning also played critical roles in this discovery.

A New Era for Eclipse Observations

Astronomers hope this milestone will inspire a resurgence in interest around observing the solar corona during future partial eclipses. Kentrianakis emphasized the thrill of the chase, stating, "Most people dismiss partial eclipses, but I wanted to explore this one and succeeded! This opens new doors for aspiring astronomers."

What's Next for Eclipse Enthusiasts?

For those eager to replicate this remarkable photograph, the next opportunity to witness a partially eclipsed sunrise will occur on September 21, 2025, over Antarctica. Following that, a chance for a 70% eclipsed sunrise will arise in western Canada on January 14, 2029.

This moment not only highlights the beauty and mystery of the solar corona but ignites a passion for exploration and discovery in the realm of astronomy.