Concorde Jet Flies 74 Minutes in Moon's Shadow, Sets Solar Eclipse Totality Record

Concorde 001 raced the moon's shadow at 55,000 feet during the June 30, 1973 solar eclipse, extending totality to 74 minutes from the 7 minutes on the ground. This set the record for the longest total solar eclipse.

The supersonic jet intercepted the moon's shadow over Africa and flew along it at Mach 2, keeping pace with the shadow moving at 1,500 mph.

Seven scientists from France, Britain and the U.S. were on board to study the sun's corona and light. The plane had special portholes installed for their equipment.

Concorde entered the moon's shadow again in 1999 during an eclipse, carrying tourists who each paid $2,400. But viewing was difficult due to small windows.

After the 2000 Concorde crash, a 2001 eclipse flight was cancelled. No plane has yet broken the 74-minute totality record set in 1973.