Iberia's Unique Eclipse Flight Offers Scientists a Prime Viewing Experience
Iberia, the Spanish flag carrier, is organizing a special flight to observe the total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026. The flight, numbered IB1473, is named in honor of Nicolaus Copernicus, the astronomer born in 1473 who proposed the heliocentric model of the solar system. This Airbus A321XLR flight will depart from Madrid, position itself in the path of totality over the province of Palencia, and return to Madrid. The flight is designed to provide optimal viewing conditions at an altitude of over 10,000 meters, minimizing atmospheric interference. Scientists from the Shelios Project, led by Miquel Serra-Ricart of the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias, will be on board to conduct observations. The event will also be live-streamed via Iberia's social media channels using Starlink connectivity. 
