Astronomy Picture of the Day

Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.

2024 April 10
A totally eclipsed Sun is seen in the sky surrounded by a bright corona.
In the foreground several people watch it near a large tree. To the 
right of the eclipsed Sun is the bright planet Venus, while the nearly-as-
bright planet Jupiter is to the left. 
Please see the explanation for more detailed information.

Planets Around a Total Eclipse
Image Credit: Stéphane Vetter (Nuits sacrées)

Explanation: What wonders appear when the Moon blocks the Sun? For many eager observers of Monday’s total eclipse of the Sun, the suddenly dark sky included the expected corona and two (perhaps surprise) planets: Venus and Jupiter. Normally, in recent days, Venus is visible only in the morning when the Sun and Jupiter are below the horizon, while Jupiter appears bright only in the evening. On Monday, though, for well-placed observers, both planets became easily visible during the day right in line with the totally eclipsed Sun. This line was captured Monday afternoon in the featured image from Mount Nebo, Arkansas, USA, along with a line of curious observers — and a picturesque tree.

Monday's Eclipse Imagery: Notable Submissions to APOD
Tomorrow's picture: open space


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Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP)
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