Eclipse from 18,000 Feet: Double Skydives Over the Grand Canyon

Proof:

Jump #1

Jump #2

On Monday April 8th I embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, experiencing not just any solar eclipse, but one of the most visually stunning astronomical events from an extraordinary vantage point — 18,000 feet above the Grand Canyon, not once, but twice. As an engineer at a startup, my daily life is steeped in technology and precision, which only added to the excitement and exactitude required to pull off back-to-back skydives during this celestial event.

The Day Begins

The day started at 3:30 AM with a brisk wakeup, driven by anticipation and a bit of caffeine (Thank you Red Bull for literally giving me wings…). The four-hour drive from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon was a journey filled with quiet reflection under starlit skies, as the world around me slept and unaware of the cosmic dance about to unfold. After the exhilarating jumps, there was no time to bask in the post-dive adrenaline; I had to drive back to Las Vegas immediately to make it to a 6:30 PM work event, making the entire day a non-stop whirlwind of activity.

Planning the Dive

Skydiving during an eclipse required more than just courage and a parachute. The logistics involved in syncing the jump with the eclipse’s peak, over the right location, required some detailed planning. The decision to jump twice at 18,000 feet — close to the highest altitude possible without supplemental oxygen — was driven by a desire to fully immerse myself in the fleeting, shadowed light of the eclipse.

The Eclipse’s Uniqueness

This particular solar eclipse was a rare hybrid eclipse — an astronomical event where parts of the path experience an annular eclipse while other parts witness a total eclipse. The hybrid nature of the eclipse made it a rare scientific spectacle, providing a unique combination of visual effects depending on the viewer’s location. Over the Grand Canyon, our view did not reach full totality, meaning the moon did not completely cover the sun at the point of maximum eclipse. Instead, it presented a stunning “ring of fire” where the sun’s outer rim remained visible, creating a bright, dramatic outline against the darker sky. This phenomenon enveloped the area in a twilight ambiance, adding to the otherworldly feel of the experience.

First Jump: The Approach

As the aircraft climbed to our exit altitude, the anticipation built. Exiting at 18,000 feet, the (bitter) cold rush of air was breathtaking, the vast expanse of the Grand Canyon stretching endlessly beneath us. The timing was critical, and as we leaped, the moon began its pass in front of the sun, casting a surreal penumbra below.

The Eclipse Experience

During the first jump, the eclipse was approaching its mid-way . The world below transformed dramatically, with the canyon’s red hues turning to deep, muted tones as twilight seemed to descend in the middle of the day. The peculiar light and the profound silence of the high-altitude jump were unlike anything I’ve experienced. Below, the shadow of the moon raced across the Earth, a dark, swirling spot moving at incredible speed.

Second Jump: (Not Quite) Totality

Quickly ascending again for our second jump (double the fun), we aimed to exit during the moment of the most coverage we’d have, I called it ‘ Not Quite Totality’. The experience was surreal: as we fell, the sun was darkened and we were enveloped in the eerie darkness of the eclipse’s peak. I can’t really express how this felt, but there were goosebumps. Lots of them.

Reflection on the Dual Jumps

Landing after the second jump, the emotional high was indescribable. These jumps were not only a physical rush but also a profound emotional and spiritual experience. Observing such a grand natural phenomenon from above, coupled with the intense physical sensation of skydiving, provided a unique perspective on our place in the universe.

Conclusion

These back-to-back jumps during the solar eclipse were a reminder of why we push the limits of human experience and adventure. In the tech world, we often seek to innovate and disrupt, and these dives mirrored that drive in the physical realm. It was a vivid demonstration of the synergy between human ambition, scientific understanding, and the raw power of nature. Moreover, the day was a testament to the power of meticulous planning and the relentless pursuit of unique experiences that challenge our perception and expand our understanding of the world. In witnessing this eclipse from such a unique perspective, I was reminded of the delicate balance between our daily pursuits and the extraordinary events that shape our understanding of the universe. It underscores the importance of stepping out of our comfort zones to grasp moments that make us feel infinitely small yet part of something immeasurably vast.

I’ve uploaded some of the other crazy adrenaline stuff I’ve done to a YouTube channel here. I’ll update with more videos as I find more thing to try. If you have any suggestions, I’d love to hear them! And, Red Bull….If you’re looking for an amateur to sponsor and give wings hit me up!