#OnThisDay 1973: Patrick Moore reported from the south coast of Mauritania where he experienced a total solar eclipse for 7 mins and 5 seconds, a marvel that won't be exceeded until June 2150. | BBC Archive

The 1973 solar eclipse was the longest ever observed because scientists aboard the Concorde 001 flew along the path of the moon's shadow over the Sahara Desert, extending the period of totality to an unprecedented 74 minutes. This flight, which occurred on June 30, 1973, used the supersonic jet as a mobile observatory, allowing the team to "chase" the moon's shadow and provide extended observation time for their instruments. The unique combination of the Earth being near aphelion (farthest from