WATCH: Breathtaking Video Shows Artemis II Crew Entering Total Solar Eclipse Behind the Moon

Just hours after breaking the record for the farthest distance humans have ever traveled from Earth, the Artemis II crew entered one of the most visually stunning — and scientifically critical — phases of their mission: a deep-space solar eclipse.

While the world watched from 252,756 miles away, the Orion spacecraft passed directly behind the Moon, creating a total eclipse of the Sun from the perspective of astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen — a vantage point no other human beings have ever experienced.

Studying the 'Glow' of the Solar Corona

The eclipse, which began at 8:35 p.m. ET on Monday, lasted for approximately one hour. As the Sun disappeared behind the massive, darkened silhouette of the Moon, the crew was treated to a view impossible to capture from Earth’s surface.

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Right now, the Orion capsule is passing behind the Moon, so the Sun is entirely eclipsed from their perspective. During this time, they will view a mostly darkened Moon and will use the opportunity to analyze the solar corona. pic.twitter.com/PWDPfZKxGh

— NASA (@NASA) April 7, 2026

The astronauts used the window of darkness to study the solar corona — the Sun’s outermost atmosphere. Usually drowned out by the Sun’s brilliance, the corona appeared as a glowing, ethereal ring around the lunar edge. The data collected during this hour will help NASA scientists understand solar winds and radiation—key factors for the safety of future Mars-bound crews.

Hunting for Meteoroid Strikes

The darkness of the eclipse served a second, more hazardous purpose. The crew remained on high alert for flashes of light on the lunar surface. These "impact flashes" are caused by meteoroids striking the Moon.

Because the Moon lacks an atmosphere to burn up space debris, these strikes are a constant threat. By observing them during the eclipse, the Artemis II crew is providing firsthand data on the frequency and intensity of these impacts, helping NASA map out safer "zones" for the upcoming Artemis III lunar landing.

The Journey Home Begins

Following the eclipse, the crew completed their intensive seven-hour lunar observation period. Having spent the day naming new craters (including the emotional tribute to Carroll Wiseman) and witnessing a historic Earthrise, the crew has officially begun the long journey back to Earth.

As of Tuesday morning, April 7, Orion is preparing to exit the lunar sphere of influence. The spacecraft is scheduled to splash down in the Pacific Ocean on Friday, April 10, at approximately 8:07 p.m. ET.