UK firm captures video of Moon's shadow on Earth during eclipse, plans 24/7 livestream from the Space Station

UK firm Sen has captured the Moon's shadow on Earth using its 4K satellite.

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Published: April 11, 2024 at 10:11 am

A UK company that is due to start live-streaming footage of Earth from the International Space Station has captured a video of the shadow of the Moon moving across Earth during the April 8 total solar eclipse.

British firm Sen's video of the solar eclipse from space was captured in 4K by its satellite, ETV-A1, from low Earth orbit.

This follows the news on 21 March 2024 that SEN had sent a 4K camera system to the International Space Station that's due to begin live streaming views of planet Earth from space.

See more images of the April 8 eclipse from space

Eclipse video from space

The video of the solar eclipse from space was captured by Sen's low Earth orbit camera and shows the shadow of the Moon passing across the surface of the Earth.

A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes in front of the Sun, momentarily blocking the entire solar disk.

From Earth, this has the effect of the Moon completely covering the Sun and casting darkness during daytime for those in the path of totality.

A view of the April 8 solar eclipse from space, captured in 4K by a Sen satellite in low Earth orbit. Credit: Sen
A view of the April 8 solar eclipse from space, captured in 4K by a Sen satellite in low Earth orbit. Credit: Sen

When observing the phenomenon from space, this appears as a large shadow moving across the planet.

This is the shadow of Earth's Moon, and anyone located within the shadow back on Earth is witnessing a solar eclipse.

Livestream from the Space Station

Sen’s 4K camera system launched aboard a SpaceX supply ship on 21 March 2024, headed for the International Space Station. The company intends to provide a 24/7 livestream of Earth from the ISS. Credit: Sen
Sen’s 4K camera system launched aboard a SpaceX supply ship on 21 March 2024, headed for the International Space Station. The company intends to provide a 24/7 livestream of Earth from the ISS. Credit: Sen

On 21 March 2024, SEN sent a 4K camera system up to the ISS onboard a SpaceX supply ship.

Sen’s payload, called 'SpaceTV-1', is hosted on the outside of the Space Station and is set to provide three different camera views: one showing Earth's horizon, one looking 'straight down' at the planet and one looking back at the Space Station itself.

The company says it hopes to inspire Earth's population by providing an astronaut's view of Earth, but the coverage will also be used to monitor environmental changes.

Sen says it is due to launch further satellites into Earth orbit in 2025.

Find out more about the company via www.sen.com

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