NASA Johnson Pilots Chase Moon’s Shadow for Eclipse Science

NASA's WB-57F aircraft is preparing to embark on a mission to study the Moon's shadow during the Aug. 12, 2026, total solar eclipse from Iceland. Researchers aim to unravel the mystery of why the Sun's outer atmosphere, known as the corona, is much hotter than its visible surface. To achieve this, scientists need to observe the corona during the rare total solar eclipse when the Moon temporarily obscures the Sun's bright surface, allowing the fainter outer atmosphere to be seen.

The WB-57F, operated from NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, will fly at an altitude of approximately 50,000 feet to avoid interference from clouds, dust, and water vapor. This high altitude also enables the science instruments to capture infrared wavelengths that are typically absorbed by Earth's lower atmosphere. Precision planning is crucial for the mission, as the aircraft must be positioned along the eclipse path to maximize the time spent within the Moon's shadow.

John Gustine, a NASA WB-57F pilot, has been responsible for coordinating the flight and positioning the aircraft along the eclipse path. Cary Klemm, the sensor equipment operator, controls the camera systems from the back seat, ensuring optimal focus and exposure times while tracking key features of interest throughout totality. The data collected during this brief window of totality will provide valuable insights into the corona's behavior and help improve our understanding of space weather.