As a result, the previously ionized particles relax and recombine into neutral particles.
Sounding rockets, or research rockets, carry science instruments to suborbital space along a parabolic trajectory.
The rockets got some new instruments and were refurbished for reuse for the upcoming eclipse.
A view of the 2017 total solar eclipse (rocket emoji not included)Image: NASA/Google/Gizmodo
For more spaceflight in your life, follow us onXand bookmark Gizmodos dedicatedSpaceflight page.
News from the future, delivered to your present.