TAKE F-LIGHT
Incredible photos of Northern Lights taken by pilot flying U-2 spy plane THROUGH the Aurora
Ross Franquemont managed to photograph straight down the line of his U-2 plane's wings while he was flying over Canada in late February
A TRIP to see the Northern Lights costs an arms and a leg - but this air force pilot got the best view and was paid to watch them.
Ross Franquemont couldn't believe his luck as he captured a series of stunning photographs while flying right through the aurora.
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The 40 year old's once-in-a-lifetime shots include an amazing selfie, where the green natural light can be seen reflecting on the pilot's helmet and swirling around outside the cockpit window.
In others, Ross managed to photograph straight down the line of his U-2 plane's wings, the aurora dancing across the sky in the distance.
The scenes unfolded while he was flying over Canada in late February, though, given his profession, the pilot couldn't provide too specific locations or dates.
Ross's spy plane was travelling at around 500 mph at an altitude of around 70,000 feet, making shooting images of the constantly moving natural phenomenon extremely difficult.
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After publishing his images, the air force has received a number of enquires from those interested in flying U-2s.
Ross, from Lenoir, North Carolina, USA, said: "What fascinates me most about aerial photography, especially from the U-2, is the reaction it gets from other people.
"The reaction has been incredible - we have more interest in pilots looking to come fly the U-2."
The Lockheed U-2 is a single-jet ultra-high altitude plane used by the US Air Force on reconnaissance missions.
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The U-2 lanes reach an altitude of 70,000 feet, compared to a traditional commercial plane that reaches altitudes of 39,000 feet.
Because of the high altitude, pilots are required to wear a partially pressurised space suit and they have to breathe 100 per cent oxygen for an hour before take-off.
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Ross added: "Probably one of the best feelings came from my co-workers, many of whom have flown this exact same flight.
"One of them said, 'Finally someone was able to capture it.'
"I'd love to take everyone up to see for themselves, but we'll have to wait for Virgin Galactic and hopefully others to start taking the public up."
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