Concorde's Record 74-Minute Total Solar Eclipse Flight in 1973 Remains Unbeaten
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On June 30, 1973, Concorde 001 raced the moon's shadow at supersonic speed during a solar eclipse, extending totality to 74 minutes.
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7 scientists were on board to study the sun's corona, chromosphere, and light intensity during the record-breaking total solar eclipse.
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Concorde flew at Mach 2 along the eclipse path over Africa to keep pace with the moon's shadow moving at 1,500 mph.
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In 1999, 3 Concordes carried eclipse tourists, but window issues limited totality viewing to 30 seconds.
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No plane has surpassed Concorde's 74-minute total eclipse since its retirement, but eclipse chaser flights continue to extend durations.