Astronomy photographer Jon Carmichael knew he wanted to capture 2017's total solar eclipse on camera — he just didn't quite know how.

Millions of Americans watched the event unfold last August, making it one of the most-photographed in history. And Carmichael felt the pressure.

He studied the eclipse's path, and realized that a Southwest Airlines flight from Portland to St. Louis would put him in the perfect geographical — and physical — location to photograph the event.

So he booked a ticket.

Keep reading to see how he achieved what's being hailed "the most amazing photo ever taken from a commercial airplane."