By the end of the 19th Century, the relative spacing of the planets was known but the absolute distance between them was not. This scientific mystery spanning centuries was finally solved by accurate measurement of Venus Transits of 1874 and 1882.

Offering un-obstructed views of the Sun from horizon to horizon and superb weather, Hawaii was perfect for astronomers to view Venus Transits in 1874 and 1882. Such observations accurately determined the scale of the Solar System for the first time.

(Phys.org) -- Spectacular images from the Hinode spacecraft show the solar eclipse, which darkened the sky in parts of the Western United States and Southeast Asia yesterday.

An astronomer has proposed the existence of an unseen planet in the distant outskirts of the solar system. It would explain the peculiar motions of Kuiper belt objects.

NASA astronaut Don Pettit captured the stunning solar eclipse shadow sight.

(Phys.org) -- Europe missed Sunday’s solar eclipse on the other side of the planet but ESA’s space weather microsatellite Proba-2 passed repeatedly through the Moon’s shadow.

(AP) -- It was one of the best places in the western United States to watch the annular solar eclipse, and people drove for days just to get to this dusty stretch west of Albuquerque.

The satellites photographed the annular solar eclipse of May 20, 2012 from space.

This composite image of the annular solar eclipse was taken by Koji Kudo from Kawasaki, Japan on May 21, 2012.

See amazing solar eclipse pictures from the annular eclipse of May 20, 2012 and vote for your favorites.