Test Before the Eclipse.

 This preliminary test shot shows the full Sun seconds before the first lunar contact, using same solar filter than previous pictures.

Since occultation has not yet begun, the light intensity slightly overexposes the core, unlike the crisp, well-defined crimson red seen as the Moon reduces the sunlight.

When the solar disk is at full intensity, the massive amount of light passing through the filter creates a brilliant orange halo and a blazing white center. However, as soon as the Moon begins to block the photosphere, the light level drops sharply, allowing the camera sensor to capture the deep crimson hue and sharp solar outlines seen in the previous images.