Airborne observatory improves views of solar corona during cloud-covered eclipse

An SwRI-led team used NASA's WB-57 research aircraft to observe a total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, over heavy clouds off the coast of Iceland. The aircraft, flying at 50,000 feet, captured high-resolution images of the Sun's corona and a prominence in nine wavelengths, from visible to infrared. The prominence was most visible in hydrogen alpha emissions, glowing pink, and was observed for approximately 17:45 UT. The team used NASA's Scientifically Calibrated In-Flight Imagery (SCIFLI) system, originally developed for imaging rocket plumes, to capture the data. The mission achieved two minutes and 56 seconds of totality, which was the intended duration. The data included a notable prominence on the sun's east limb, offering new insights into the corona's structure and dynamics.

• The mission was conducted by SwRI, in collaboration with NASA's Johnson Space Center and Langley Research Center.
• The aircraft's high-altitude position allowed imaging of wavelengths typically absorbed by Earth's atmosphere.
• The team collected over 2 terabytes of data, providing detailed observations of the corona's structure and dynamics.
• The eclipse was a perfect opportunity to test the aircraft's capabilities, as it occurred in areas with frequent cloud cover.

The observations provided valuable data on the solar corona and prominences, which are crucial for understanding space weather and its effects on Earth. The mission highlighted the importance of high-altitude observation in overcoming cloud cover and capturing detailed spectral data. The data from the 2024 eclipse were used to refine the new observations, allowing for a more comprehensive analysis of the corona's features. The success of the mission was attributed to the collaboration between various teams, including the WB-57 crew, SCIFLI/SAMI team, and logistical support from the U.S. Navy and Iceland government. The findings offer new perspectives on the Sun's outer atmosphere and its dynamic behavior.

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