NOAA's GOES-19 satellite provided an extraordinary orbital perspective of a partial solar eclipse on September 21, 2025. The satellite used its Solar Ultraviolet Imager (SUVI) instrument to document the celestial event while simultaneously monitoring space weather conditions. GOES-19, which became fully operational in April 2025, maintains a geostationary orbit approximately 22,236 miles above Earth's equator.
The SUVI instrument is designed to observe the sun's corona across various extreme ultraviolet wavelengths, crucial for detecting solar flares, other solar activities, and unique phenomena like solar eclipses. This capability aids in understanding the sun's dynamic outer atmosphere. The SUVI instrument monitors the sun in six different extreme ultraviolet wavelengths, providing vital data for space weather forecasting.
GOES-19, also known as GOES-East, was launched by SpaceX aboard a Falcon Heavy rocket in June 2024 and achieved full operational status in April 2025, succeeding GOES-16. In its geostationary position, GOES-19 collaborates with GOES-18 to offer continuous monitoring of weather patterns, environmental hazards, oceanic conditions, and solar and space weather phenomena. The satellite's Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) technology is key to its ability to rapidly and accurately detect and track hazards such as severe thunderstorms and wildfires.
The partial solar eclipse observed on September 21, 2025, was visible across parts of North America and was also observed from space by GOES-19. The satellite's orbital perspective offered a comprehensive view of the event, underscoring the value of space-based observations in comprehending solar occurrences. This event highlights the critical role of NOAA's GOES-19 satellite in advancing our knowledge of solar activities and their potential impacts on Earth's environment.
The partial solar eclipse had a magnitude of 0.855 and was visible across much of Oceania and Antarctica, with up to 80% coverage observed in the southernmost parts of New Zealand. The reduction in solar radiation during an eclipse can lead to a temporary drop in atmospheric temperature and affect the ionosphere by decreasing ionization. These atmospheric changes can influence radio wave propagation and potentially disrupt communication and navigation systems.