Spanish flag carrier Iberia (IB) has chartered an Airbus A321XLR flight to and from Madrid-Barajas International Airport (MAD) on August 12 at 18:45 (CEST), in order for researchers to observe the total solar eclipse. Whilst the flight will not be available for the public to board, the airline will livestream the event for universal viewing on its six social media channels.
A total eclipse only occurs when the Sun, Moon and Earth are aligned in such a way that the Moon obscures the Sun completely. The phenomenon is possible at this time as the Sun is approximately 400 times farther away than the Moon, whilst being 400 times wider in diameter. Iberia reports that this is the first time it has been visible in Spain since 1912 and before that in 1905. Iberia’s Director of Strategy, Transformation and Sustainability, Diego Fernández said:
“We are very pleased to collaborate on an initiative that brings together aviation, science and innovation. This flight will allow us to take advantage of the benefits offered by observing from cruising altitude to contribute to the study of an exceptional astronomical phenomenon.”
On-board researchers from the Shelios project on a scientific mission will be able to observe the total eclipse over 10,000 metres above sea level. They will also record observations of the planets Venus and Mercury and other visible stars. The team will be led by astronomer Miquel Serra-Ricart who said:
“Observing from cruising altitude will allow us to have a clear view of the solar corona, free from cloud cover and other atmospheric phenomena that can make ground-based observation more difficult.”
The live broadcast and streaming for Iberia’s X, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn social media channels is possible due to the on-board (and aptly named) Starlink Wi-Fi. The airline is gradually introducing this internet access service across its entire fleet. Mobile broadband provider Starlink is owned by SpaceX and coverage is possible due to more than 10,900 satellites in orbit around Earth. The service is also used by other airlines such as United Airlines (UA) and airBaltic (BT).
The special eclipse flight has also been allocated a special code, IB1473, which is a tribute to the year astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus was born. He is credited for formulating the heliocentric model which places the Sun at the centre of the solar system.
Will you tune-in to the Iberia solar eclipse live stream during or after the event? Let us know in the comments below.
