Supermoons are, as Lady Gaga is wont to say, “talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, showstopping, spectacular.” They’re also completely dependent on the weather — get some clouds or rain, and the magnificent sight is blocked, and gone for months, or even another year.
Last month, we got to witness a pink moon which was a sight in itself — but imagine if you’d got to see that it from above the clouds, in the sky.
Well, thanks to Qantas, now you can. The airline is offering tickets to a one-off flight, where you can catch a closer look at next month’s supermoon (set to occur on May 26). And according to Mirage News, this supermoon is the second and last of the year. And, to make it extra special, it’s coinciding with a full lunar eclipse — something the publication calls a “rare double phenomenon.”
Maybe you can toast to the event with Hendrick’s Lunar Gin?
The three-hour scenic flight will depart from Sydney, fly over the Sydney Habour just to add even more to the scenic route, before climbing to an altitude of 43,000 feet — above any cloud cover and atmospheric pollution.
It will cost you a pretty penny though, with tickets for the one-off flight starting from $499 in economy, to $1,499 in business. Oh, and there are only 100 seats available (got to stay COVID safe!).
An astronomer from CSIRO, Dr Vanessa Moss, will be working with the pilots so the flight path is as optimal as possible. She’ll also be on board to provide insights into supermoons, as well as anything else space and astronomy.
Chief customer officer from Qantas, Stephanie Tully, says, “We are very excited to now be doing a supermoon scenic flight and the 787 has the largest windows of any passenger aircraft so it’s ideal for moon gazing. We think this flight has great appeal for anyone with a passion for astronomy, science, space photography, aviation or just keen to do something a little ‘out of this world’.”
Flights go on sale at midday Wednesday, May 12, so jump on it while you can. If you’re stuck with your feet firmly planted on earth the night the supermoon rolls around, the lunar eclipse will be occurring between 9:11 and 9:25pm AEST; the moon will be closest to Earth at 11:50am the morning of.
Read more stories from The Latch and subscribe to our email newsletter.