SEANGWORLD FACT BRIEF · SEANGWORLDNEWS · 1 SOURCE
NASA's WB-57F aircraft captured footage of the solar corona during August 12, 2026 total solar eclipse
On August 12, 2026, NASA's WB-57F high altitude research aircraft flew off the coast of Iceland at 50,000 feet to observe the total solar eclipse by following the Moon's shadow. The aircraft's onboard cameras recorded eclipse data above atmospheric interference, capturing the solar corona at the start of totality along with visible planets Venus, Jupiter, and Mercury near the eclipsed Sun. The footage shows darkness in the Moon's shadow contrasted with brightness along the distant horizon beyond the shadow. This event and footage were documented and shared by NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day on September 5, 2026.
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Corroboration
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Facts
- Established fact
NASA's WB-57F aircraft flew at 50,000 feet off the coast of Iceland on August 12, 2026 to observe a total solar eclipse by chasing the Moon's shadow along the path of totality.
- Established fact
The aircraft recorded eclipse data with high-resolution cameras above clouds, dust, and atmospheric water vapor.
- Established fact
The footage from the cockpit shows the solar corona at the beginning of totality, with Venus visible left of center, and Jupiter and Mercury visible to the right of the eclipsed Sun.
Sources
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