Viewing Astronomical Events While In-Flight
Oct 19, 2025 | 9:06 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2008
Programs: Marriott LT Platinum; United 1MM, 1K
Posts: 86
Viewing Astronomical Events While In-Flight
I've caught seeing fireworks from above and a view of the northern lights. I'm hoping to catch a view of the SWAN comet during an evening flight monday.
Has anyone managed this before? Any hints?
Has anyone managed this before? Any hints?
Oct 19, 2025 | 9:30 pm
#2
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: None - previously UA
Posts: 5,394
Unlikely. Re: viewing from the aircraft; you would need to know what part of the sky its in, I dont know if you can see much above 45% anyway, and then theres light pollution and reflections from the cabin. The cabin window glass is often dirty. I think these are dim comets as well, you typically need binoculars to make out more than a smudge at magnitude 4.5.
Oct 19, 2025 | 11:23 pm
#3
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Tucson, Southern Arizona, North America, Western Hemisphere, The Earth, a small planet in the solar system. Previously OnePass Infinite Platinum Elite, now over entitled 1K
Posts: 2,293
I recall seeing comet Hale-Bopp flying between IAH and TUS in 1997. An exceptional comet. I wouldn't be too optimistic about seeing any of the current comets from a plane.
Oct 21, 2025 | 11:10 pm
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: SEA the REAL Washington; occasionally in the other Washington (DCA area)
Programs: AS MVPG 100K (Atmos Titanium) / 0.5MM; DL fallen PM (1.58MM = Complimentary Annual GM); AA Gold
Posts: 24,464
comet is low in the west shortly after sunset
imo the best opportunity would be from an A seat (left side window) on a northbound flight, or a corresponding right-side window on a southbound flight, with a departure time around local sunset
imo the best opportunity would be from an A seat (left side window) on a northbound flight, or a corresponding right-side window on a southbound flight, with a departure time around local sunset
Oct 22, 2025 | 12:50 pm
#7
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 42,582
I almost always take an A window flying red-eye West Coast to Europe and have had a few great shows.