Chasing the Moon’s Shadow: NASA's High-Altitude Eclipse Observation

NASA's WB-57F high-altitude research aircraft took to the skies on August 12, 2026, to observe a total solar eclipse. Flying at an altitude of 50,000 feet, the aircraft followed the path of totality to maximize its time in the Moon's shadow. Equipped with high-resolution cameras, the aircraft recorded eclipse data from above the clouds and atmospheric interference. A cockpit view captured the solar corona at the beginning of totality, with Venus visible to the left and Jupiter and Mercury to the right of the eclipsed Sun. The horizon remained bright beyond the Moon's shadow.

This event highlights the capabilities of high-altitude observation in astronomical studies, providing clearer data than ground-based observations. The main NASA site for the Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD) is transitioning to a new URL: from apod.nasa.gov to science.nasa.gov/apod.