Explanation:
NASA’s WB-57F high altitude research aircraft observed a total solar eclipse off the coast of Iceland on August 12. Flying at 50,000 feet, it followed the precise path of totality to maximize the observation time in the Moon’s shadow. Equipped with high-resolution cameras, the aircraft captured detailed eclipse data from above the clouds and atmospheric disturbances that can affect ground observations.
A cockpit view from the inflight video showcases the solar corona emerging at totality. In the video frame, the sky turns dark in the Moon’s shadow, with Venus visible to the left and Jupiter and Mercury to the right of the eclipsed Sun. Beneath the shadow, the distant horizon remains bright.
APOD’s main NASA site is moving: From apod.nasa.gov to science.nasa.gov/apod
Tomorrow’s picture: Enhancing Pluto.
