On Monday, NASA will be embarking on a unique mission to chase the solar eclipse in North America. Two specially equipped WB-57 flights with four scientists on board will fly at an altitude of 50,000ft (15,240m) along the path of totality, gathering valuable data on the Sun’s corona. Mallory Yates, who will serve as an equipment operator on one of the flights, shared her excitement about this once-in-a-lifetime experience with the BBC.
This extraordinary endeavor will provide researchers with an unparalleled opportunity to study the Sun’s outer atmosphere during the eclipse. The data collected during the flight will contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms behind solar activity, potentially advancing our knowledge of these celestial phenomena.
The NASA team’s meticulous planning and cutting-edge technology demonstrate the agency’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of scientific exploration. By harnessing the power of aviation to chase the solar eclipse, researchers are poised to uncover new insights that could shape our understanding of the universe.
Stay tuned for updates on this groundbreaking mission as NASA soars to new heights in pursuit of scientific discovery.
