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Physics & Mission Historical Brief
On June 30, 1973, prototype Concorde 001 (F-WTSS), piloted by André Turcat, achieved the longest continuous observation of a total solar eclipse in human history: 74 minutes (compared to the maximum ground duration of 7 minutes 4 seconds).
Because the Moon's shadow swept across the African continent at roughly 2,200 km/h (Mach 1.8 - 2.0) near the equator, Concorde was uniquely capable of matching the shadow speed at Mach 2.05 altitude (57,000 ft). French scientists modified the aircraft roof with specially installed quartz portholes to image the solar corona, solar wind, and chromosphere.