NASA will chase the Aug. 12 total solar eclipse with balloons and a high-altitude jet

A total solar eclipse isn't just a spectacular sight to witness for those lucky enough to lie in the path of totality (or travel to it, as many dedicated skywatchers do). It also gives scientists a rare chance to study the sun's outer atmosphere, or corona, during the day. As such, NASA plans to take full advantage of the opportunity for the upcoming total solar eclipse happening on Aug 12. The space agency's WB-57 high-altitude research jet will chase the moon's shadow across the globe, which w