Chasing Shadows: The Epic Concorde Eclipse Mission

🌗Scientists used Concorde to chase a 1973 solar eclipse, providing a unique vantage point for observing the sun's corona.

✈️Concorde's speed and endurance allowed scientists to stay in the shadow of the eclipse for over 74 minutes.

🔬Scientists carried out experiments on board Concorde, gathering valuable data on the zodiacal light and the sun's corona.

🌍The mission required precise timing and calculations to intercept the moon's shadow as it moved across the Earth's surface.

👨‍🔬The success of the mission relied on the expertise of the pilot, Andre Turcat, and a dedicated team of scientists.

Why did scientists use Concorde for the eclipse mission?

—Concorde's speed and endurance allowed scientists to stay in the shadow of the eclipse for an extended period of time, maximizing their observation time.

What did scientists learn from the mission?

—The mission provided valuable data on the sun's corona and the zodiacal light, furthering our understanding of these phenomena.

How did the mission overcome challenges?

—The team carefully calculated the flight path to intercept the moon's shadow, and the pilot made precise adjustments to ensure they stayed within the shadow for as long as possible.

What modifications were made to Concorde for the mission?

—The seats were removed, and special windows were installed to allow scientists to observe the eclipse. The electrical supply was also modified to power the science instruments.

How long did the eclipse last?

—The eclipse lasted for 74 minutes, providing scientists with an extended period of darkness for observation.

00:00The video introduces the 1973 Concorde eclipse mission, in which scientists used Concorde to chase a solar eclipse.

00:44French astrophysicist Pier Lena began preparing for the eclipse, which was expected to be one of the longest in history.

01:21The mission aimed to observe the sun's corona during the eclipse, which is usually invisible from Earth.

02:19The team planned a flight path to maximize their time in the moon's shadow, which required precise timing and calculations.

03:21Data brokers buy and sell personal data, but Incogi helps protect your privacy.

04:01The flight plan was designed to touch the edges of the shadow and avoid constant turns, enabling 80 minutes in the shadow.

05:22Concorde had to follow a precise flight path and arrive at the intercept point with pinpoint accuracy.

06:13Turcat used strategic adjustments, such as deploying air brakes, to stay on schedule despite unpredictable winds.