Daily brief   for adults 50+ Subscribe AM & PM email
50 Plus HubEverything for Everyone 50+
Customize My age is in the: 50s 60s 70s 80+ Text size Language
‹ Back to Breaking News
technology

Concorde Aircraft Chases Lunar Eclipse for Solar Research

Saturday, August 8, 2026 · 1 sources

A Concorde jet was equipped with telescopes to study the Sun's corona during a lunar eclipse. The plane's mission was to capture extended images of the corona.

On a specific date, a Concorde aircraft was fitted with telescopes to observe the Sun's corona during a lunar eclipse. The goal of this mission was to achieve the longest imaging of the Sun's corona. The Concorde, with its unique capabilities, provided an ideal platform for this scientific pursuit.

The Concorde's speed and altitude allowed it to chase the Moon's shadow, staying within the eclipse's path for an extended period. This enabled the onboard telescopes to capture prolonged images of the Sun's corona, which is typically visible only during an eclipse.

The success of this mission marked a significant milestone in the study of the Sun's corona, providing valuable data for scientists to analyze.

Go Deeper

What is the Sun's corona?

The Sun's corona is the outer atmosphere of the Sun, visible as a white halo during a total solar eclipse. It is much hotter than the Sun's surface, and its temperature and composition are still not fully understood.

Why is the Concorde suitable for this mission?

The Concorde's speed and altitude make it an ideal platform for chasing the Moon's shadow during a lunar eclipse. Its ability to fly at high speeds and altitudes allows it to stay within the eclipse's path for an extended period.

What does the extended imaging of the Sun's corona achieve?

The extended imaging of the Sun's corona provides scientists with valuable data to analyze its temperature, composition, and behavior. This information can help scientists better understand the Sun's corona and its effects on the solar system.

How does the Concorde's equipment contribute to the mission?

The Concorde is equipped with telescopes specifically designed to observe the Sun's corona during the lunar eclipse. These telescopes capture high-quality images of the corona, which are then used by scientists to study its properties.

What are the potential benefits of this research?

The study of the Sun's corona can provide insights into the Sun's behavior and its impact on the solar system. This knowledge can help scientists better understand space weather and its effects on Earth's magnetic field, satellites, and communication systems.