Phobos Casually Photobombs the Sun: A Martian Eclipse Captured by Curiosity

Mars' tiny moon, Phobos, decided to make a grand entrance on March 26, 2019, by staging a spectacular transit across the face of the Sun. Fortunately for us, NASA's intrepid Curiosity rover was on hand to capture this breathtaking celestial ballet.

This series of images, captured during Sol 2359 of the Curiosity mission, shows Phobos as it moved directly between the Sun and the rover. The event, though fleeting in real-time, has been sped up by a factor of 10 for our viewing pleasure, with the entire eclipse lasting approximately 35 seconds.

It's moments like these that truly highlight the dynamic and ever-changing nature of our solar system. Phobos, with its irregular shape, casts a shadow that briefly dims the Martian landscape, offering a unique perspective on our planetary neighbor.

The images evoke a sense of wonder and perhaps a touch of the uncanny, as one commenter aptly put it, "Kinda creepy, like some ominous being watching you." Whether it's a casual photobomb or a cosmic performance, the transit of Phobos across the Sun is a captivating reminder of the wonders that await us beyond Earth.

For those who wish to delve deeper into this fascinating event, you can find more information and the original source images at .