The Proba-3 mission, consisting of two spacecraft that fly in close formation to study the sun, has returned images of the first ever artificial solar eclipse

The European Space Agency released images of the first-ever artificial solar eclipse. The two satellites of the Proba-3 mission orbit 150 meters (450 feet) apart; one has a large disc which blocks the sun, while the other has sensitive cameras and scientific instruments.

The European Space Agency (ESA) has achieved a rather unusual feat, successfully creating and maintaining artificial solar eclipses in space with its Proba-3 mission.