This is the unique story of observing a total solar eclipse for no less
than 74 consecutive minutes. On the summer morning of June 30, 1973, the
Sun rises on the Canary Islands. But it is strangely indented by the
Moon. The eclipse of the century has just begun. From the west, the
lunar shadow rushes to the African coast at a velocity of over 2000
kilometers per hour. Astronomers on the ground will enjoy seven short
minutes of total eclipse to study the solar corona - too short for
Pierre Lena and seven scientists who board the Concorde 001 prototype,
an extraordinary plane to become the first commercial supersonic
aircraft. With André Turcat as chief pilot and a crew of five, at 17000
m altitude, the aircraft remains in the lunar shadow for 74 minutes, a
record time of scientific observations not yet beaten and allowing for
exceptional measurements. Science, technology, aviation and history
combine in the story of a unique human adventure aboard a legendary
aircraft, illustrated with a rich and original iconography. It reflects
the wonderful domains that science and technology can open, and the
passion in the professions they offer. A must read for every eclipse
chaser and fan of true scientific adventures.On the summer morning of
June 30, 1973, the Sun rises on the Canary Islands. But it is strangely
indented by the Moon. The eclipse of the century has just begun. From
the west, the lunar shadow rushes to the African coast at a velocity of
over 2000 kilometers per hour. Astronomers on the ground will enjoy
seven short minutes of total eclipse to study the solar corona - too
short for Pierre Lena and seven scientists who board the Concorde 001
prototype, an extraordinary plane to become the first commercial
supersonic aircraft. With André Turcat as chief pilot and a crew of
five, at 17000 m altitude, the aircraft remains in the lunar shadow for
74 minutes, a record time of scientific observations not yet beaten and
allowing for exceptional measurements. Science, technology, aviation and
history combine in the story of a unique human adventure aboard a
legendary aircraft, illustrated with a rich and original iconography. It
reflects the wonderful domains that science and technology can open, and
the passion in the professions they offer. A must read for every eclipse
chaser and fan of true scientific adventures.
