03/16/2015
Solar Impulse attempts to circle the globe without fuel
A Swiss solar-powered plane took off from Abu Dhabi last week, marking the start of the first attempt to fly around the world without a using drop of fuel. Solar Impulse last week set a new distance record for piloted solar-powered flight in a 15-hour flight across the Arabian Sea. But that's just a short hop compared with the planned crossings of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
■Class discussion: Why are the Solar Impulse pilots and their backers trying to circle the world? Does the flight change your opinion of “green” technologies? Why or why not? Do long-distance trips and races by solar-powered planes, boats and cars grab your attention? Do you expect public attitudes and government policies about fossil fuels and renewable energy to change anytime soon?