NASA aircraft captures solar corona from above Iceland eclipse
A WB-57F research aircraft flew at 50,000 feet along the Moon’s path of totality, recording the eclipsed Sun above clouds and atmospheric interference.
NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day has featured imagery from a WB-57F research aircraft observing a total solar eclipse off the coast of Iceland on 12 August.
The aircraft flew at 50,000 feet along the precisely determined path of totality to maximise its time in the Moon’s shadow, according to NASA’s explanation of the image.
High-resolution cameras aboard the aircraft recorded the solar corona from above clouds, dust and atmospheric water vapour that can interfere with observations closer to the ground.
The cockpit view shows the corona emerging as totality began, with the sky darkened by the Moon’s shadow. Venus is visible near the centre of the frame, while Jupiter and Mercury are described as just visible near the eclipsed Sun.
The image was published on 5 September 2026 as part of NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day, a daily series pairing an astronomy image or photograph with an explanation. NASA also said the APOD website is moving from apod.nasa.gov to science.nasa.gov/apod.
