A group of 30 skydivers are planning to observe the solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, by jumping out of airplanes to achieve the best view. Jason Berger, the co-owner of Skydive the Falls, located near Niagara Falls in Youngstown, New York, was inspired by a friend who had previously done a similar jump during an eclipse in Oregon. When Berger realized that the upcoming eclipse would pass over his skydiving center, he began planning the event. With the eclipse reaching totality directly over the center, Berger wanted to make the experience unique and extreme for the participants.
The team at Skydive the Falls began planning for the eclipse event about nine months ago, with the goal of taking the eclipse viewing to new heights. An impressive feat was in the making with three airplanes and a select group of skydivers from various locations across the U.S., including Texas and California. The skydivers will jump out of the planes a minute before totality, allowing them to experience full totality under their parachutes. To ensure safety and avoid congestion in the sky, the planes will be strategically arranged, and the skydivers will wear eclipse glasses during their freefall.
Tickets for the eclipse jump were released in January and sold out within seven minutes. Most participants are experienced licensed skydivers who have completed numerous jumps, although a few select spots were available for first-time skydivers to experience the event in tandem with skilled instructors. Berger emphasized the excitement of sharing this unique experience with others, especially those who are new to skydiving. The participants will land on the ground after deploying their parachutes, equipped with eclipse glasses for safe viewing during descent.
The skydivers at Skydive the Falls will have a once-in-a-lifetime experience viewing the solar eclipse from thousands of feet in the air. Berger, who has had many skydiving adventures, considers this eclipse jump to be a new and thrilling experience. Despite his extensive experience, he views this event as an opportunity to continue exploring and checking off new feats in the world of skydiving. Berger anticipates that the eclipse jump will be an unforgettable experience for all participants, adding a unique and exciting chapter to their skydiving stories.
The meticulous planning and coordination required for the eclipse jump showcase the dedication and expertise of the team at Skydive the Falls. As the skydivers prepare for the event, safety remains a top priority, with precautions taken to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for all participants. The combination of adrenaline-pumping skydiving and the awe-inspiring sight of a solar eclipse promises to create a memorable and captivating experience for those involved. With the eclipse reaching totality directly over the skydiving center, the event presents a rare opportunity to witness a celestial phenomenon from a truly unique perspective.
Berger’s vision for the eclipse jump reflects a commitment to pushing the boundaries of skydiving and creating exceptional experiences for participants. The sold-out event signifies the excitement and interest surrounding this extraordinary opportunity to view a solar eclipse from the skies. As skydivers from different parts of the country converge at Skydive the Falls for this special occasion, they are bound to share a once-in-a-lifetime experience that combines the thrill of skydiving with the awe-inspiring beauty of a total solar eclipse. The eclipse jump stands as a testament to the innovative spirit and sense of adventure that drive the team at Skydive the Falls to continually seek new and exhilarating ways to engage with the world around them.
