Scientists Chase 1973 Solar Eclipse in Modified Concorde, Spend 74 Minutes Observing Sun's Corona at Mach 2
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Scientists took advantage of the 1973 solar eclipse by chasing it in a modified Concorde that raced at Mach 2.
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They were able to spend 74 minutes in total darkness and observe the sun's corona.
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The Concorde's passenger area was gutted and filled with scientific equipment. Holes were cut in the fuselage for observation.
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The flight path was meticulously planned so they would reach the path of totality at just the right moment.
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They figured out a course to give them 80 minutes of straight flying in the eclipse's shadow, even though the shadow moved in a slight curve.