On July 2, 2019, the 12th total solar eclipse of the XNUMXst century took place. This total eclipse began over the South Pacific, which it crossed almost entirely. It then reached southern South America, roughly through central Chile, and ended up on the east coast of Argentina.
Several airlines operated regular flights on or near the eclipse, so passengers could track the sky from above.
Other airlines, such as LATAM, organized a special flight for eclipse enthusiasts. The EFLIGHT 2019-MAX (LA1296) flight was operated in the shadow of the total solar eclipse, at 12500 meters, with an average speed of 900 km / h. The flight was honored with a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
LATAM flight for total solar eclipse
The passengers of the flight LA1296 enjoyed the total eclipse of the sun for 8 minutes, 3 times more than the 2: 30 minute as it was visible from the ground. Onboard were 50 passengers from 10 countries. Among them were scientists, astronomy lovers and enthusiasts of flight and eclipse.
The flight duration was 5 hours and 30 minutes. The aircraft took off at 09: 50, from Mataveri Airport, Easter Island. It flew northwest for two hours and 30 minutes to position itself in the path of the total solar eclipse. Then he turned to Mataveri.
This flight took 2 years to prepare. LATAM collaborated with TEI TOURS & TRAVEL and Glenn Schneider, an astronomer at the University of Arizona. The latter ticked off the 35th solar eclipse, a Guinness World Record performance.
Aerolíneas Argentinas flight during solar eclipse
The flight Aerolíneas Argentinas, AR1436, on the route Buenos Aires - San Juan, was a scheduled one, but special. The passengers were greeted with the greeting "Welcome aboard the flight to the total solar eclipse". They could admire the eclipse from 9000 meters high. All passengers received special glasses. The flight was operated with a Boeing 737-800.
According to the statements of some passengers, there was a big rush on board. All the passengers crowded at the windows to watch the heavenly phenomenon. They advised each other how to take the best pictures. They helped each other to enjoy the phenomenon.
And yet it was no accident. Behind this flight was Nicolás Fronzo, a photography enthusiast. He realized that one of the 3 flights, operated by Aerolineas Argentinas, to San Juan could catch the eclipse. With minor program changes, anything was possible.