# The record-breaking solar eclipse observation with Concorde In 1973, scientists observed an eclipse for 74 minutes aboard Concorde - **Source:** [Ars Technica - All content](https://brifing.si/source/b728770c-8dda-457a-8986-84879c9fc42c) - **Published:** 2026-08-07 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/5f1aef24-667c-451c-be8b-41133c8b9dc4 ## A historic aviation museum The National Air and Space Museum of France is located at Paris-Le Bourget Airport. It displays important civilian and military aircraft from aviation history. One of them is the legendary Concorde F-WTSS 001 prototype. This aircraft excites not only aviation enthusiasts but also science lovers. Behind its long nose is painted the path of the June 1973 total solar eclipse across Africa. ## Record-breaking scientific achievement In 1973, eight scientists made history by flying the Concorde at more than twice the speed of sound. They observed the total solar eclipse for a full 74 minutes. This was about 10 times longer than observations made from the ground. In equatorial regions, the maximum duration of totality from the ground is only about 7.5 minutes. For the August 12 eclipse visible from parts of Europe, this duration will be slightly over two minutes. ## Concorde's scientific legacy The Concorde F-WTSS 001 prototype is not just an aviation achievement but also a milestone in scientific history. The aircraft was specially prepared for this unique mission in 1973. Thanks to the plane's high speed, scientists could race against the Moon's shadow to observe the eclipse for an extended period. This success represents a unique example at the intersection of aviation and astronomy. ## Pushing technological boundaries In the early 1970s, Concorde was the most advanced civilian aircraft of its time. Capable of supersonic speeds, it was also used for scientific research. The solar eclipse observation became one of the most striking demonstrations of Concorde's potential. This experiment was concrete proof of how aviation technology could contribute to scientific discoveries. ## Scientific importance of solar eclipses Solar eclipses offer astronomers rare and valuable observation opportunities. They are ideal times to study the Sun's corona, measure its magnetic field, and observe atmospheric effects. Concorde's mission gave scientists the chance to collect data over a longer period for such studies. This expanded our knowledge in the field of solar physics. ## Where aviation meets science Concorde's mission represents one of the most successful examples of collaboration between aviation and science. The aircraft's performance characteristics opened new horizons for scientific research. Such interdisciplinary studies show how technological advances can contribute to scientific discoveries. Concorde's legacy continues to inspire today. ## Evolution of eclipse observations The 1973 observation with Concorde marked a turning point in solar eclipse research. Since then, technology has advanced significantly. Today, satellites and advanced observation tools allow us to study eclipses in much greater detail. However, Concorde's achievement continues to hold a special place in scientific history. ## A milestone in scientific history Concorde's 1973 mission holds an important place in both aviation and astronomical history. This achievement is a striking example of how humanity can use technology for scientific discovery. The record 74-minute observation period provided scientists with unique data. This event remains unforgettable proof of what interdisciplinary collaboration can achieve. ## Sources covering this story - https://arstechnica.com/science/2026/08/the-ultimate-eclipse-chase-a-concorde-raced-against-the-moons-shadow/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._