The ultimate eclipse chase: A Concorde raced against the Moon's shadow
In 1973, scientists used a modified Concorde aircraft to chase the Moon's shadow, allowing them to observe a total solar eclipse for a record-breaking 74 minutes. The mission utilized the plane's supersonic speed to keep pace with the eclipse path across Africa.
Why it matters
This historical mission remains a landmark achievement in aviation and astronomical research, demonstrating the unique capabilities of supersonic flight for scientific observation.
Chasing darkness The ultimate eclipse chase: A Concorde raced against the Moon’s shadow Fitted with telescopes, the plane did our longest imaging of the Sun’s corona.
30 The scientists and the equipment for the mission. Credit: F. Claudel The scientists and the equipment for the mission. Credit: F. Claudel Text settings Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only Learn more Minimize to nav A walk down the tarmac at the National Air and Space Museum of France is guaranteed to thrill aviation enthusiasts. Several civilian and military aircraft of the past and the present are showcased in this museum, located at the Paris-Le Bourget airport. One of them is the legendary Concorde F-WTSS 001 prototype, the sight of which should give goosebumps to science enthusiasts as well.
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