Science communicator Derek Muller of Veritasium filmed a total solar eclipse from the edge of space this week [1].
Capturing the event from near-space provides a perspective unavailable to ground-based observers, illustrating the precise geometry of the moon's shadow as it traverses the Earth's atmosphere.
The footage was captured during the totality phase on Aug. 12, 2026 [1]. While millions watched from the ground, the high-altitude cameras documented the sun's corona from a vantage point above most of the atmosphere [1].
The path of totality for this event spanned several regions. Darkness was experienced across Russia, Greenland, Iceland, Portugal, and Spain [2]. The near-space observations were centered over Spain, where the contrast between the dark shadow and the illuminated Earth was most visible [1].
Muller's project aimed to demonstrate the visual reality of a total solar eclipse from space and share that experience with the public [1]. The resulting imagery highlights the scale of the lunar shadow, a dark disk moving across the planet's surface.
Ground observers in Spain and other affected countries witnessed the sudden drop in temperature and the appearance of the solar corona [1]. By combining these ground views with near-space footage, the project provides a comprehensive look at the celestial alignment [1].
“Derek Muller of Veritasium filmed a total solar eclipse from the edge of space this week.”
This footage bridges the gap between professional astronomical data and public education. By visualizing the 'umbra'—the darkest part of the shadow—from near-space, the project helps the public understand the physical scale of orbital mechanics and the atmospheric effects of a total eclipse.
