We sent a camera to space to film the solar eclipse

Item: We sent a camera to space to film the solar eclipse
Rating: 5
Author: PostSingularity Institute

by Veritasium

Formal & Physical Sciences Astronomy & Cosmology PGAstronomy, space and time PGSSolar system: the Sun and planets

🎙 Veritasium 👥 21.1M 📅 August 17, 2026 ⏱ 22 min 👁 55K 📄 documentary 🧭 2026-08-17

Available in: English (current) Français

Keywords

solar eclipsetotalityshadow bandscoronaNASA balloon

Summary

The video documents the 2026 total solar eclipse, which was visible in Spain. The Veritasium team traveled to Burgos, Spain, to witness and film the event, collaborating with NASA’s ballooning team and other scientists. They explain why the Northern Hemisphere gets more total solar eclipses, how up to five solar eclipses can occur in a year, and why the Sun appears white during totality. The video also explores the discovery of helium and the fake element ‘coronium’ during eclipses, and demonstrates how pinhole projections create crescent shapes during an eclipse. The team attempts to capture elusive shadow bands and discusses the leading theories about their cause. They also show footage from a balloon that reached the edge of space, capturing the eclipse from a unique perspective. The video includes a sponsored segment from 80,000 Hours, a nonprofit career advice organization.

140 words

Critical Evaluation

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The video provides valuable scientific information, explaining complex astronomical concepts in an accessible manner. The argumentation is solid, supported by expert interviews and visual demonstrations. The team’s collaboration with NASA and other institutions adds credibility. The explanations are clear and well-structured, with effective use of graphics and animations to illustrate concepts.

Scientific Rigor, Source Quality, Title Accuracy

The scientific rigor is high, with accurate explanations of eclipse mechanics and historical context. The video cites references and includes links to further resources. The title accurately reflects the content, which focuses on the eclipse and includes footage from space. The video also acknowledges the work of other science communicators and institutions.

118 words

Title / Content Match

The title accurately reflects the content, which focuses on the 2026 total solar eclipse and includes footage from the edge of space.

Quality & Reliability

9/10

High reliability due to collaboration with NASA and other scientific institutions, clear references, and rigorous explanation of astronomical phenomena.

Chapters

Cited Sources

80,000 Hours — Sponsor of the video, providing career advice.
Exploratorium — Provided insights and footage from their livestream.
Eclipse References — List of references used in the video.
Veritasium Newsletter — Sign up for weekly science updates.
Snatoms — Molecular modelling kit invented by Derek Muller.
Patreon — Support Veritasium on Patreon.
Elements of Truth Pre-order — Pre-order the retail edition of the board game.

Concurring Sources

NASA Eclipse Website — Provides comprehensive eclipse data and explanations.
Exploratorium Eclipse Live Stream — Live stream of the eclipse.

Contribution & Novelties

The video offers a unique perspective by filming the eclipse from the edge of space using NASA balloons, providing footage not commonly seen. It also clarifies common misconceptions, such as why the Sun appears white during totality, and explains the phenomenon of shadow bands with current scientific understanding. The historical context of helium discovery adds depth.

Pour aller plus loin :

Solar eclipse — Overview of solar eclipses.
Helium — Discovery of helium during an eclipse.
Shadow bands — Explanation of shadow bands.
Coronium — Historical fake element.
NASA’s Eclipse Ballooning Project — Information about the project.

97 words

Radar Profile

The radar profile shows high scores in information quantity, quality, technical level, and reliability, indicating a well-rounded and authoritative science communication piece.

Reliability 9/10

💬 Très positif : les commentaires expriment un enthousiasme général pour la vidéo, avec des réactions amusées face à la rencontre fortuite avec un fan et des éloges pour la qualité du contenu.