Explanation:
During a total solar eclipse,
the Sun's
extensive outer atmosphere, or corona, is an inspirational sight.
Subtle shades and shimmering features
that engage
the eye span a brightness range of over
10,000 to 1, making them notoriously difficult
to capture in a single photograph.
But this composite of 7 consecutive digital images
over a range of exposure times comes close to revealing
the crown of the
Sun in all its glory.
The telescopic views were recorded from the Isla de Pascua
(Easter Island) during July 11's
total solar eclipse
and also show solar prominences extending
just beyond the edge of the
eclipsed
sun.
Remarkably, features on the dim, near side of the New Moon can also be
made out, illuminated by sunlight reflected from a
Full Earth.
