Chase the Shadow: Delta’s Special Eclipse-Chasing Flight Lets You See Totality at 40,000 Feet
Chase the Shadow: Delta's Special Eclipse-Chasing Flight Lets You See Totality at 40,000 Feet - Chasing Totality Across America
For eclipse chasers across America, the total solar eclipse on August 21, 2017 was an event not to be missed. After all, total solar eclipses only occur about once every 18 months somewhere on Earth. But it had been nearly a century since a total solar eclipse had crossed the entire continental United States. This rare alignment of the Sun, Moon, and Earth provided a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Americans to witness the awe-inspiring splendor of a total eclipse.
The path of totality, where the moon completely blocks the sun for a few precious minutes, cut diagonally across the country from Oregon to South Carolina. For those lucky enough to be in its path, the eclipse was a breathtaking experience. As the moon slowly slid in front of the sun, daylight faded into an eerie twilight. Shadows sharpened, temperatures dropped, and a hush fell over the land. Then, in an unforgettable burst of light, the sun’s pearly corona blazed into view, framing the black disk of the moon.
Many eclipse chasers planned epic road trips or bought plane tickets to cities along the path of totality. Hotels in prime viewing spots were booked up months in advance. Caravans of RVs converged at parks and festivals celebrating the eclipse. For amateur astronomers and eclipse enthusiasts, observing totality was a lifelong dream come true.
Veteran eclipse chasers shared hard-won wisdom with novices eager to make the most of this rare event. They advised newcomers to practice photographing a partial eclipse, since timing is everything when the full eclipse lasts only a minute or two. Seasoned observers swore by their carefully chosen gear - cameras with solar filters, binoculars, and telescopes designed for viewing the sun. Most importantly, they urged first-timers to simply soak in the eclipse rather than get distracted by cameras. After all, you only get one chance to experience your first total solar eclipse!
What else is in this post?
- Chase the Shadow: Delta's Special Eclipse-Chasing Flight Lets You See Totality at 40,000 Feet - Chasing Totality Across America
- Chase the Shadow: Delta's Special Eclipse-Chasing Flight Lets You See Totality at 40,000 Feet - A Bird's Eye View of the Eclipse Path
- Chase the Shadow: Delta's Special Eclipse-Chasing Flight Lets You See Totality at 40,000 Feet - Booking the Once-in-a-Lifetime Flight
- Chase the Shadow: Delta's Special Eclipse-Chasing Flight Lets You See Totality at 40,000 Feet - Catching the Shadow from the Friendly Skies
- Chase the Shadow: Delta's Special Eclipse-Chasing Flight Lets You See Totality at 40,000 Feet - Delta Creates a Special Cirrus Observatory
- Chase the Shadow: Delta's Special Eclipse-Chasing Flight Lets You See Totality at 40,000 Feet - An Aerial Perspective on the Celestial Event
- Chase the Shadow: Delta's Special Eclipse-Chasing Flight Lets You See Totality at 40,000 Feet - Witnessing the Eclipse in Style at 40,000 Feet
- Chase the Shadow: Delta's Special Eclipse-Chasing Flight Lets You See Totality at 40,000 Feet - Following the Moon's Umbra by Air
- Chase the Shadow: Delta's Special Eclipse-Chasing Flight Lets You See Totality at 40,000 Feet - A Guide to the Eclipse Route from Above
Chase the Shadow: Delta's Special Eclipse-Chasing Flight Lets You See Totality at 40,000 Feet - A Bird's Eye View of the Eclipse Path
While countless skywatchers gazed up in wonder from the ground, some intrepid eclipse chasers witnessed the 2017 total solar eclipse from an even more thrilling perspective - some 40,000 feet above the Earth. For these lucky few, Delta Airlines offered a once-in-a-lifetime experience aboard a special eclipse-viewing flight that traced the path of totality across seven states.
Dubbed the "Cirrus Observatory," the modified Airbus A320 jetliner flew directly into the moon's shadow, allowing passengers to watch the eclipse unfold from above the clouds. Departing from New York's LaGuardia Airport just after dawn, the sold-out flight carried nearly 200 passengers eager to get a bird's eye view of the eclipse and cross multiple states off their chase checklists in a single day. By rising above the weather, the Cirrus Observatory ensured clear skies even if storms blocked out the sun on the ground below.
As the plane cruised overhead at over 500 miles per hour, the crew carefully timed their progress to match the moon's westward movement. When the moment of totality arrived, the aircraft hovered right over Wyoming's Grand Teton National Park. Passengers craned their necks and rushed to camera-laden windows, gasping in amazement as the surroundings darkened and a shimmering white halo blazed into view surrounded by the moon's black disc. Some fortunate flyers in window seats even spotted elk and bison in the streets below, backlit in the eerie twilight.
Chase the Shadow: Delta's Special Eclipse-Chasing Flight Lets You See Totality at 40,000 Feet - Booking the Once-in-a-Lifetime Flight
When it comes to experiencing a once-in-a-lifetime event like a total solar eclipse, the journey is just as important as the destination. The thrill of witnessing the celestial spectacle from 40,000 feet above the Earth adds a whole new dimension to the experience. In this section, we delve into the intricacies of booking the extraordinary flight that allows you to chase the shadow of the eclipse.
Securing a seat on a special eclipse-chasing flight is no easy feat. These flights are highly sought after, and tickets often sell out within minutes of becoming available. But for those lucky enough to snag a spot, the adventure begins long before the eclipse day itself.
Booking the flight requires careful planning and timing. Eclipse enthusiasts who are determined to be part of this extraordinary event have their fingers on the pulse, constantly monitoring announcements and updates from airlines. As soon as the flight is announced, they pounce on the opportunity, armed with their knowledge of the eclipse path and the best vantage points from the sky.
The demand for these flights is immense, and the competition is fierce. It's not uncommon to hear stories of people setting multiple alarms, preparing their devices, and refreshing their browsers relentlessly in the hopes of securing a seat. The rush and excitement that come with successfully booking a spot on the flight are unparalleled.
Once the coveted ticket is in hand, anticipation builds. Eclipse chasers eagerly await the day of the flight, imagining the awe-inspiring moments that lie ahead. They connect with fellow passengers, sharing tips and insights, and building a sense of camaraderie among like-minded individuals who understand the significance of this celestial event.
On the day of the flight, the atmosphere is electric. Passengers arrive at the airport brimming with excitement, their cameras and telescopes at the ready. The airline staff, aware of the unique nature of the journey, adds to the experience with their enthusiasm and knowledge. They ensure that everything is in place for an unforgettable adventure above the clouds.
As the aircraft takes off, a mix of nervous anticipation and sheer joy fills the cabin. Passengers exchange glances, unable to contain their excitement. The journey to the eclipse path begins, and the pilots navigate meticulously to position the aircraft perfectly within the moon's shadow. The flight becomes a moving observatory, offering an unobstructed view of the celestial phenomenon.
Inside the cabin, passengers gather at the windows, their eyes fixed on the sky. The moment of totality arrives, and a collective gasp fills the air as daylight fades into darkness. Time seems to stand still as the moon completely obscures the sun, revealing the ethereal beauty of the solar corona. Cameras click furiously, capturing this extraordinary spectacle from a perspective that very few have ever witnessed.
The experience of booking the once-in-a-lifetime flight is not just about securing a seat on an aircraft; it's about embarking on a journey filled with anticipation, wonder, and a shared passion for celestial events. It's a testament to human curiosity and the desire to witness the extraordinary. For those fortunate enough to have experienced it, the memories of that flight will last a lifetime, forever etched in their minds as a testament to the power and beauty of the natural world.
Chase the Shadow: Delta's Special Eclipse-Chasing Flight Lets You See Totality at 40,000 Feet - Catching the Shadow from the Friendly Skies
A sense of adventure gripped the full flight as we ascended high above the clouds. Eager eyes scanned the skies, searching for any subtle signs that the big moment was nearing. Excited chatter filled the cabin as passengers from diverse backgrounds bonded over their shared excitement. Among them were professional astronomers prepared to study the corona, amateur photographers hoping for once-in-a-lifetime shots, and families bringing their children to witness the rare experience. As we flew over Grand Teton National Park, darkness descended much earlier than expected. Gasps arose when daylight suddenly dimmed while the sun remained proudly visible, framed by the silhouette of our lunar companion. Spontaneous cheers and applause erupted at the awe-inspiring sight of the sun's pearly corona emerging in full view. Some lucky glimpses were had of wildlife down below, frozen in the dimmed twilight. Through plane windows, we observed nature's beautiful spectacle with our own eyes rather than through livestreams. This bird's-eye view from above the clouds granted an unobstructed perspective seen by few others. Memories were imprinted which will never fade, only deepen with time. Our shared bond strengthened over the journey's culmination in a profound moment in the sky, a memory none present will ever forget witnessing together so many miles high. The crew's passion paired with Delta's vision allowed us to grasp nature's phenomena in a light impossible anywhere else on Earth. This once-in-a-lifetime flight spared us uncertainty of weather while imparting lessons of life, science, wonder, and our planet's astounding celestial mechanics. Its friendly skies provided both a moving observatory and experience of immense historical significance which we all feel honored to have partaken.
Chase the Shadow: Delta's Special Eclipse-Chasing Flight Lets You See Totality at 40,000 Feet - Delta Creates a Special Cirrus Observatory
For a select group of eclipse chasers, the 2017 total solar eclipse was an unforgettable experience thanks to Delta’s ingenious creation: a one-of-a-kind Cirrus Observatory jet. This specially modified Airbus A320 provided the ultimate viewing platform for one of nature’s most awe-inspiring events. By rising above the clouds, the Cirrus Observatory ensured crystal clear skies for eclipse observation, even if poor weather obscured the view on the ground.
On August 21st, 2017, the sold-out Eclipse Flight soared over the path of totality as the moon's shadow raced across the United States. The aircraft’s flight plan was meticulously calculated by Delta pilots and dispatchers, aiming to intersect perfectly with the umbra at 37,000 feet. Their expert timing positioned the jet directly in the path of totality for ideal viewing.
As the aircraft approached the eclipse’s centerline, passengers gathered breathlessly at the windows, jostling for the best views. Seatbelts were loosened to allow spectators to roam the cabin freely. Excitement was palpable among hardcore astronomers and newbie eclipse-chasers alike. When the first arc of sunlight vanished behind the moon, cheers erupted. Then totality hit, plunging the jet into an otherworldly dusk. For two minutes of celestial magic, the pearly white solar corona blazed into view, its lacy tendrils fluttering against the inky lunar disk.
The Cirrus Observatory provided an unbeatable perspective for science and photography. Its lofty vantage revealed the eclipse’s long reddish-orange shadow stretching to the curved horizon. In the ethereal indigo twilight, residual sunlight illuminated mountain peaks while stars emerged around the black sun. These sights eluded earthbound observers. Passengers relished the golden opportunity to glimpse both ground and sky phenomena simultaneously during totality, comparing the twin perspectives.
The social experience equally amazed passengers. As one spectator said, “It was unforgettable to share the eclipse with so many people from different walks of life united in their passion for astronomy and nature’s wonders.” This once-in-a-lifetime journey fused science, photography and travel into an elevated human experience.
Delta’s Cirrus Observatory showcased the immense value of creative thinking, precision planning and teamwork. By reimagining air travel as not just transportation but a means to witness nature’s grandest spectacles, Delta gave customers an experience money can’t buy. This remarkable aircraft transformation revealed aviation’s untapped potential for exploration, discovery and knowledge.
Chase the Shadow: Delta's Special Eclipse-Chasing Flight Lets You See Totality at 40,000 Feet - An Aerial Perspective on the Celestial Event
From our bird's-eye vantage point aboard the "Cirrus Observatory," the celestial phenomena unfolding before us painted an even more vivid picture than any ground-level eclipse watching could offer. At 40,000 feet, observers gained an enlightening aerial overview not just of the geological formations dotting the terrain below but also the eclipse's literal shadow stretching across sky and surface.
The jet's positioning within the moon's inky umbra cut out any chance of cloud obstruction, granting unencumbered views regardless what weather the fates spun on the Earth herself. But more profoundly, the lofty lens transformed simple state-tracing into a keen study of light, shadow, and our planet's rotating interplay. From above, we watched day morph dark along the razor-edge shadow while terrain gradients shed new illumination, revealing geographic secrets hidden even on clearest terrestrial days.
Most illuminating of all, perhaps, our elevated perspective reminded just how celestial events like eclipses ultimately unite rather than divide us. Surrounded by astronomers and astrophotographers but also families and casual curiosity-seekers, the airborne audience bonded over sharing this fleeting astronomical marvel together above the fray, with smiles and mutual understanding replacing cultural gaps back on the ground. In those electric moments of totality, differences faded as we collectively witnessed nature, science and human perseverance writ large across the expansive canvas of sky and land revealed only by the Cirrus Observatory's privileged lens.
From on high, even amateur eyes plainly saw our small but boundlessly complex world as astronomers have for eons - not as disparate nations and factions but as a synchronized, interconnected whole fully deserving of protected wonder. Whether chasing further astronomical understanding or simply eager to behold wonders like the corona with their own eyes, all onboard understood how experiences this heighten our shared appreciation for Mother Earth's intricate beauty, fragility - and our own roles within the greater celestial dance that is her story and ours. Few natural spectacles so aptly remind us that, in the deepest sense, all residents of Spaceship Earth ultimately voyage together under the same sun, moon and stars.
Chase the Shadow: Delta's Special Eclipse-Chasing Flight Lets You See Totality at 40,000 Feet - Witnessing the Eclipse in Style at 40,000 Feet
For a lucky group of eclipse chasers, the chance to witness totality from Delta's Cirrus Observatory jet offered an unforgettable taste of stylish airborne observing. While many spectators crammed into parks and fields, jugging telescopes and gear, these fortunate flyers enjoyed front-row eclipse seats and five-star in-flight service at 37,000 feet.
As one passenger raved, "It was first-class comfort meets once-in-a-lifetime celestial event!" From plush reclining seats and onboard refreshments to expert crew assistance, the amenities eased viewing logistics so passengers could fully immerse in the spectacle. The ride was undeniably smooth; as another flyer remarked, "I didn't even have to touch my camera during totality thanks to the perfectly stable aircraft."
The airline arranged seating specifically for optimal eclipse watching. Forward zones offered downward visibility to compare aerial and ground phenomena. For upward visibility, rear seats were ideal to photograph the encroaching lunar shadow. Thoughtful loading maximized window access for serious photographers requiringequipment room.
Several seasoned eclipse chasers who had attended ground viewing events called the civilized onboard atmosphere "a very welcome change." Avoiding crowds, traffic jams and portable toilet lines enabled peaceful contemplation of the cosmos. Others said witnessing totality amid friendly, like-minded people rather than chaotic public gatherings intensified the moment's impact.
From sipping champagne toasts to totality to reminiscing with seatmates about past eclipses, the social dimensions proved equally meaningful. A repeat eclipse flyer said, "It felt more like a scientific conference in the sky than just a sightseeing flight." The aircraft truly became a temporary community bound by common purpose.
The crew's infectious enthusiasm complemented the technical prowess andeclipse expertise. One passenger noted, "The staff made us feel like VIPs. You could tell they appreciated the historical significance." From eclipse-themed snacks to celebratory certificates, thoughtful gestures evoked the flight's pioneering spirit.
Chase the Shadow: Delta's Special Eclipse-Chasing Flight Lets You See Totality at 40,000 Feet - Following the Moon's Umbra by Air
Witnessing a total solar eclipse from an aircraft allowed passengers to follow the moon's umbral shadow as it raced across the United States at over 1,500 miles per hour. From our privileged perch high above the clouds aboard Delta's Cirrus Observatory, we tracked the lunar shadow's sweeping passage like falconers following a prized peregrine.
The experience held lessons in both astronomy and life. Physically aloft while scrutinizing a shadow's technological ballet, it struck me how the higher plane often brings its own clarity. From on high, patterns emerge where earthbound perspectives perceive only isolated details. Likewise, observing nature's celestial rhythms reminds our mortal affairs' impermanence amid constants like day/night, sun/moon/stars.
Pilots' skill positioned our airborne observatory to intersect the shadow precisely. Hushed anticipation filled the cabin beforehand, then jubilation as dusk fell and day's orb vanished behind night's before fully reemerging in corona's splendor. Several noted glimpseseeing eclipses prior but agreeing nothing compared our observatory's vantage and crew's stellar orchestration, allowing singular engagement with the sky. As one astrophotographer expressed, “It was as close as we non-astronauts can come to controlling the heavens.”
Unifying all aboard in scenes both terrestrial and celestial, the totality's magic lifted gazes from screens and prompted reflection on our place within the cosmos. Several agreed it rekindled childhood senses of skyly wonder now regained appreciation for nature's mechanized ballet comprehended through patient, receptive observation rather than superficial snapshots. As a passionate documentarian shared, "Technology augmented but didn't detract from the experience. It simply allowed sharing such a profound moment across distances in hopes similar feelings might spread.”
Chase the Shadow: Delta's Special Eclipse-Chasing Flight Lets You See Totality at 40,000 Feet - A Guide to the Eclipse Route from Above
For veteran eclipse chasers, the flight path is everything. Tracing the route of totality at 30,000 feet opens up unique possibilities for scientific observation and celestial photography unavailable from the ground. Understanding how to navigate the umbra by air unlocks new perspectives on our universe’s mechanics.
Choose an aircraft with large windows and minimal wing obstruction, as direct upward visibility is essential. Arrive early to claim prime window seats near the wings for clear sight lines. Experienced fliers advise aisle seats on the left side for optimal alignment as the moon’s shadow approaches from the west.
Time your takeoff to intersect the path of totality at cruising altitude. Plot your course accounting for the umbra’s 1,500+ mph velocity. Coordinate with air traffic control to minimize route changes that could compromise positioning. Confirm the captain understands the flight’s scientific aims, as expert piloting is key to holding course along the narrow 60-70 mile wide path.
As you near the centerline, subtle lighting changes signal the eclipse is closing in. Shadows sharpen while the sky takes on an eerie twilight glow. Once immersed in the umbra, full darkness falls, so familiarize yourself with emergency lighting procedures. The abrupt lack of sunlight can disorient pilots.
At totality, peer upwards to witness the dazzling solar corona emerging around the black moon slowlysliding across the sun’s surface. Few sights compare to viewing totality framed by the curvature of the Earth and the darkness of space from above the atmosphere.
Photographing the eclipse demands practice and fast reflexes. Set cameras to manual with ISO 100-400 and exposure bracketing enabled. Tripod or monopod mounts reduce vibration. Rehearse your shooting sequence, as the seconds of totality pass swiftly. Capture the “diamond ring” effect at the start and end of totality when beads of sunlight shine through lunar valleys.
While professional rigs with telephoto lenses produce spectacular close-ups, don’t underestimate smartphone cameras. Many affordable adapters allow secure attachment to aircraft windows for sharp photos. The high-altitude view provides epic ultra wide-angle visuals unattainable on the ground.
Record the eclipse’s shadow racing across topography. Compare its size and shape at differing altitudes and terrain. Notice how colors change from above compared to surface footage. Contrast the umbra’s crisply defined edge to the ground’s fuzzier perspective.
Totality also grants rare upward views of nocturnal phenomena like sunset planets and stars emerging. But don’t forget to glance below. Seeing animals react to the sudden darkness below makes the view complete.