Scientists track eclipse from aircraft; conduct experiments

Solar eclipse trackers on the ground were not be the only ones studying the spectacle as the IAF and astrophysicists conducted experiments and filmed the celestial event from a fighter jet and a transport aircraft.

Solar eclipse trackers on the ground were not be the only ones studying the spectacle as the IAF and astrophysicists conducted experiments and filmed the celestial event from a fighter jet and a transport aircraft.

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A Mirage-2000 fighter jet and an AN-32 medium lift transport aircraft took to the skies early on Wednesday morning with a team of astrophysicists and IAF personnel onboard who carried out some experiments and filmed the longest total solar eclipse of the century.

The fighter aircraft took off from the IAF airbase in Gwalior, while the transport aircraft with scientists from
Vigyan Prasar, an autonomous body of the Department of Science and Technology flew from Agra towards Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh.

Scientists from Noida-based Vigyan Prasar, Udaipur-based Solar Observatory and Bangalore-based Indian Institute of
Astrophysics participated in the experiments and the filming.

As the transport aircraft reached 25,000 feet altitude, its rear ramp was opened to enable the scientists carry out
their experiments, T K Singha, spokesperson of the Indian Air Force said.