A 3-hr flight between Delhi & Gaya will offer a view of solar eclipse from over the clouds.
Not wanting to miss out on the opportunity offered by the longest solar eclipse in more than 200 years, SPACE Technology, Eclipse Chasers Athenaeum and Cox & Kings have lined up three separate viewing experiences at different locations, with the major attraction being a chartered plane to follow the eclipse.
The solar eclipse on July 22 will be the longest of this century, lasting for 6 min 38 sec. It will not be surpassed by another solar eclipse till June 13, 2132. Beginning in India, it will cross into China, then traverse through a few small Japanese islands before heading out into the Pacific Ocean.
The chartered flight on a Boeing 737-200, called the ‘Historic Eclipse Flight’, is the first such experience of its kind in India and will offer a view of the solar eclipse from over the clouds. The flight, which will last for three hours, begin take off from New Delhi at 4.30 pm on July 22 and hold over at Gaya in Bihar till the eclipse begins.
At that precise time, the totality run in the north-northwest direction will be initiated. The aircraft will intercept the middle of the eclipse shadow at 0626 IST at a height of 41,000 feet.
“This is a unique idea and the packages are in great demand from the younger generation. They are really excited about witnessing the solar eclipse,” said Sanjeev Chajjer, vice-president, Cox & Kings, Ahmedabad.
The ‘sun side’ seats, on the right side of the aircraft allowing viewers to take photographs of the total eclipse, will cost Rs79,000 each.
The middle, aisle and ‘earth side’ seats will cost Rs67,000, Rs59,000 and Rs29,000 each. The ‘earth side’ seats, on the left side of the aircraft, will allow a view of the lunar shadow moving over the earth. Customised games and activities have also been planned on board the plane.
For those who do not wish to take a flight, a three days and two nights package costing Rs8,145 per head has been arranged. Those opting for this will be able to view the eclipse from the terrace of the Patna planetarium and experiment with the team of astronomers on studying the movement of the sun and the various phases of the eclipse.
“Most Indians still do not understand the meaning of a solar eclipse. We, as an organisation, are trying to spread awareness. However, people are really excited about flying in the chartered plane. They will be flying parallel to the eclipse. It is an opportunity of a lifetime,” said Sunita Mukherjee, coordinator, Eclipse Chasers Athenaeum.
There is also an ‘Eclipse China’ package, wherein experienced eclipse chasers will explain the phenomenon.
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