There was a lot of hype leading up to the day of the solar eclipse yesterday, when the sun was momentarily entirely blocked by the moon, turning day to night in a narrow but complete path across the United States. Having heard from my parents about their experiences with a full eclipse decades ago, I felt I had to do all I could to check it out. These opportunities don’t present themselves often.
The Solar Eclipse – an Aerial Perspective
Key Takeaways:
- The author flew their airplane and son from Southern California to Oregon to witness the 2017 solar eclipse from the air, describing it as an unforgettable experience despite the extensive travel.
- Navigating through smoky conditions from wildfires and numerous other aircraft, the author found a unique aerial vantage point to view the two minutes of totality.
- The experience provided a distinct view of the sun's corona and the changing light, though attempts to extend the totality duration by flying were futile due to the immense speed required.
- Despite the 11-hour flight for a brief event, the author highly recommends viewing a total solar eclipse from an airplane, highlighting its value to general aviation.
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