Double Eclipse! Earth and Moon Cross in Front of Sun (Photo)

NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory witnesses the moon and the Earth passing across the face of the sun simultaneously on Sept. 1, 2016. Because Earth's atmosphere absorbs some of the sun's light, our planet's shadow is fuzzy, while the moon's is sharp and distinct.

Credit: NASA/SDO

A NASA satellite captured a far-out view last week when the moon and the Earth passed in front of the sun simultaneously.

The double eclipse was captured by the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO), a satellite designed to monitor the sun and its atmosphere. The spacecraft holds a variety of instruments to image the sun in 13 wavelengths, enabling researchers to better understand solar cycles.

The SDO is in geosynchronous orbit above a ground station in New Mexico, to which the satellite transmits its data. Its orbit is designed to have as clear a view of the sun as possible. Twice a year, however, the satellite experiences periods of daily eclipses as the Earth passes between the craft and the sun. These "eclipse seasons" last for a few weeks, according to NASA, and can obstruct the satellite's view for up to 72 minutes a day