Rising Tide Images
High Aspect Ratio
A high aspect ratio wing is most efficient for long distance gliding. With bones that lock into place in the extended wings, this lasyan albatross uses a horizontal lift component to bank sharply to the right and head out to sea. At sea it will have an oscillating glide path as it rises on orographic lift off wave faces then gravity accelerates into the wave troughs to glide for thousands of miles across the Pacific. The aerodynamics of mōlī (Phoebastria immutabilis) flight are fascinating. But it is the seemingly effortless, calm beauty and aerial grace that keeps me enviously watching for hours.
High Aspect Ratio
A high aspect ratio wing is most efficient for long distance gliding. With bones that lock into place in the extended wings, this lasyan albatross uses a horizontal lift component to bank sharply to the right and head out to sea. At sea it will have an oscillating glide path as it rises on orographic lift off wave faces then gravity accelerates into the wave troughs to glide for thousands of miles across the Pacific. The aerodynamics of mōlī (Phoebastria immutabilis) flight are fascinating. But it is the seemingly effortless, calm beauty and aerial grace that keeps me enviously watching for hours.