NASA pilots who will soar above the clouds for a closer look are filled with excitement and anticipation at the prospect of flying through a solar eclipse. NASA flight crews are preparing for a special vantage point while millions of people watch the celestial event from the ground.
A projected 31 million people will witness the magic of the eclipse from the ground during the April 8, 2024, complete solar eclipse.
But not for the astronauts flying the special WB-57 aircraft missions, where they are given the opportunity to pursue a lifetime career and gain priceless information. As the eclipse moves across the moon’s shadow, the crews would follow its course while flying near the border of Mexico.Tony Casey, a pilot for NASA, experiences a surge of joy and remarks, “Oh, that’s so awesome.” He is excited about the eclipse and is tracking the instruments to investigate the corona and atmospheric events that happen when the shadow eats them up.
