nasa-pilots-to-chase-total-solar-eclipse-for-unprecedented-views

As the world eagerly anticipates Monday's total solar eclipse, four NASA pilots will take to the skies to capture 'never-seen-before views of this celestial phenomenon.

 

Described as a "once in a lifetime" event, the total solar eclipse promises a spectacle of cosmic proportions.

 

However, for the fortunate few within the eclipse's path, the experience is fleeting, lasting a maximum of just four minutes. 

 

NASA's elite team of pilots is flying two specialized WB-57 planes off the coast of Mexico, they will chase the eclipse across the sky, offering a unique perspective from above. This aerial pursuit marks the first time such a feat has been attempted, promising a truly extraordinary spectacle.

 

“During the 2024 solar eclipse, the WB-57 airplanes will be flying at an altitude of about 50,000 feet, chasing the eclipse shadow over the coast of Mexico near Mazatlan”, said Amir Caspi, Principal Investigator, Southwest Research Institute of NASA.

 

 “The most exciting part of using the WB-57 is to get over the clouds, and to get to a layer of the atmosphere where it’s so much less dense”, said Shadia Habbal, the Principal investigator of University of Hawaii.

 

“This means you can access wavelength’s of light that you normally wouldn’t be able to access on the ground”, added Amir.

 

"We are on the brink of witnessing history in the making," exclaimed NASA pilot Tony Casey, who will serve as a sensor equipment operator aboard one of the aircraft. "I am stoked, I am so excited to be able to fly this mission. I am looking forward to just the experience of being there in this moment and the shadow overtaking you."

 

Equipped with cutting-edge camera and telescope systems, the pilots will capture the eclipse in unprecedented detail. From their vantage point, the journey through totality will cover in seven minutes, compared to the four-minute view from the ground.

 

"This is an extremely exciting endeavor," remarked Amir. "The planes have a system that mounts onto the nose of the aircraft, allowing for the placement of a telescope. This will enable us to capture images of the Sun in infrared and visible light, providing invaluable insights into its atmosphere, the corona, and potentially even nearby asteroids."

 

With Casey at the helm of the camera, the team will zoom in on various locations of the Sun, aiming to capture its full splendor and any intriguing phenomena such as solar flares.

 

"The field of view only covers a third of the Sun," Casey explained, "but I'll do my best to maneuver the camera for a complete view during the eclipse and capture any interesting flare that may occur."

 

All eyes are on the horizon as humanity prepares to witness the celestial ballet between the Sun, Moon, and Earth.