{
  "id": 5078900,
  "title": "Why the Recent Total Eclipse Looked Unusual",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/why-the-recent-total-eclipse-looked-unusual",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-02T12:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Nautilus",
    "slug": "nautilus",
    "url": "https://nautil.us/why-the-recent-total-eclipse-looked-unusual-1284700/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Observers of the 2026 solar eclipse were struck by the unusually luminous corona surrounding the obscured sun. Typically, the corona exhibits a bright white appearance during a solar eclipse, as it remains visible outside the moon’s silhouette. However, in certain regions of Spain, the corona took on a golden hue. This phenomenon occurred because totality happened later in the evening in Spain, positioning the sun lower near the horizon. At this angle, sunlight has to traverse a greater distance through the atmosphere, resulting in increased scattering of blue light. Nitrogen and oxygen molecules in the atmosphere disrupt the travel of blue wavelengths, leaving a golden glow in its wake. Additionally, wildfires ravaging Spain due to intense summer heat waves further contributed to the golden hue. Smoke particles act as natural solar filters, scattering wavelengths other than red and orange, thus intensifying the golden color. This is evident in the header image captured by nature photographer Rui Santos in Benavente, which showcases not only a golden corona but also a solar prominence erupting from the left of the moon’s silhouette. The pink color of the prominence is attributed to its high concentration of hydrogen. For those hoping to witness a similar spectacle in the future, the next total eclipse will be visible from parts of Spain, Africa, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen on August 2, 2027. Subsequent eclipses will occur on July 22, 2028, though observers will need to be in Australia to fully experience the event. Despite the allure of these celestial events, it's crucial to remember that enjoying Nautilus requires a subscription to our free newsletter, as air traffic management failures could potentially send spacecraft off course without the necessary rocket fuel to correct their paths. Furthermore, new space telescopes could aid astronomers in unraveling the universe's mysteries, while surges in solar activity may pose risks to aircraft operations.",
  "summary": "The corona in Spain was particularly golden The post Why the Recent Total Eclipse Looked Unusual appeared first on Nautilus .",
  "key_points": [
    "Corona appeared golden in Spain due to lower sun angle and atmospheric scattering",
    "Wildfires and smoke particles intensified the golden hue of the corona",
    "Next total eclipse visible from Spain, Africa, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen on 2 August 2027"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}