A group of 30 skydivers is preparing to witness the solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, by taking to the sky. The idea was inspired by one of the skydivers, Stephen Hatz, who had previously experienced an eclipse jump in Oregon and wanted to do it again for the upcoming eclipse. Jason Berger, the co-owner of Skydive the Falls in Youngstown, New York, decided to take on the challenge after realizing that the eclipse would pass directly over his skydiving center. About nine months ago, Berger and his team began planning the celestial-themed event that would take skydiving to new heights.
The group of skydivers will consist of participants from all over the U.S., including Texas and California, who will join in on the celestial jump on April 8. The timing of the jump is crucial, with the skydivers planning to jump one minute prior to totality so they can enjoy the eclipse in full under their parachutes. To ensure safety and avoid congestion in the sky, three planes will be used, each carrying a select few skydivers. Different sized parachutes will also be used to maintain separation between the divers as they freefall wearing eclipse glasses.
Tickets for the epic plunge went on sale in January and sold out in just seven minutes. Most of the participants are licensed skydivers with thousands of jumps under their belts, although a few first-timer slots were also made available. These first-time jumpers will be accompanied by experienced instructors for their tandem jumps. The entire experience promises to be unforgettable, with skydivers landing on the ground after witnessing the solar eclipse from thousands of feet up in the sky.
Berger, who has had many skydiving experiences, views this upcoming event as a new and exciting challenge. Despite his extensive experience in the skydiving world, he sees the eclipse jump as something unique that he has not yet encountered. Sharing this experience with others, especially first-time jumpers, adds to the excitement and thrill of the event. Berger hopes that the eclipse jump will be a memorable and awe-inspiring experience for all participants, offering a once-in-a-lifetime view of the solar eclipse from a breathtaking vantage point.
