Blazing 'ring of fire' eclipse seen from space | Space photo of the day for Feb. 20, 2026

As humans continue to push the boundaries of space exploration, scientists and engineers are working tirelessly to overcome the harsh conditions of space. From developing radiation-resistant electronics to training astronauts for future missions, significant progress is being made to ensure the success of long-term space travel.

One of the major challenges in space exploration is the harsh radiation that spacecraft are exposed to in orbit. However, researchers in China have made a breakthrough in developing atom-thin electronics that can withstand this radiation, potentially surviving for centuries in space (1). The team, led by Peng Zhou at Fudan University, tested a communications system composed of molybdenum disulfide and found that its performance was barely affected by the harsh environment of outer space.

Meanwhile, NASA astronauts are gearing up for the Artemis II mission, the first crewed flight of the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft. The crew, which includes astronauts Christina Koch, Jeremy Hansen, Reid Wiseman, and Victor Glover, has been training on the T-38 jet to prepare for the mission (2). Artemis II will fly around the Moon and back to test Orion's systems and capabilities before returning the crew to a splashdown off the California coast.

But space exploration isn't just about the technology and training – it's also about capturing the beauty of the cosmos. The Fujifilm X-M5 camera has been making waves in the astrophotography community with its impressive capabilities, despite its small size (3). The camera's 26MP APS-C sensor and lack of an electronic viewfinder made it seem like an unlikely candidate for astrophotography, but it has surprised reviewers with its ability to capture stunning night sky subjects.

And if you're interested in capturing some astrophotos of your own, now is a great time to do so. A mini "planetary parade" is visible in the night sky, featuring a waxing crescent moon and several planets (4). The event is a great opportunity for amateur astronomers and astrophotographers to capture some stunning images of the night sky.

In fact, a recent "ring of fire" eclipse was captured from space, showcasing the beauty of the cosmos (5). The image, taken on February 20, 2026, shows the Moon passing between the Earth and the Sun, creating a stunning annular eclipse.

As we continue to explore and study space, we are constantly reminded of its beauty and harshness. But with advances in technology and training, humans are one step closer to long-term space exploration. Whether it's developing radiation-resistant electronics or capturing stunning astrophotos, the possibilities are endless.

References:

(1) Liyuan Zhu et al. (2026). Radiation-resistant atom-thick electronics for spacecraft applications. Nature.

(2) NASA. (2026). Artemis II Crew Trains on T-38.

(3) Fujifilm. (2024). Fujifilm X-M5 Review.

(4) Space.com. (2026). A mini 'planetary parade' is visible tonight. Can you spot them all?

(5) Space.com. (2026). Blazing 'ring of fire' eclipse seen from space | Space photo of the day for Feb. 20, 2026.