Have you ever wondered what the inside of a hurricane looks like?
While flying through one would be extremely dangerous, Microsoft Flight Simulator allowed players to turn into virtual storm chasers and get up close and personal with Hurricane Laura.
The simulator, which was made in partnership between Microsoft and Swiss company Meteoblue, maps the world's weather patterns -- including wind speed, temperature, and pressure -- to make it possible for people to experience worldly events in real life without leaving their home.
On Wednesday, the virtual simulation allowed players to experience the hurricane from every angle even allowing them to so far up that planes froze over and required de-icing, according to The Verge.
While the virtual experience was eye-opening for many players, Nick Underwood, a Hurricane Hunter with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), flew into Hurricane Laura in real life using a specially-outfitted plane called a "Kermit."
My four favorite photos from today's flight on #NOAA42 into Hurricane #Laura. Looking east (away from #Laura) and west (toward #Laura) at sunrise, the center of circulation, and the sea state near the center. #FlyNOAA pic.twitter.com/eXTV02HANC
— Tropical Nick Underwood (@TheAstroNick) August 25, 2020
Those in the storm's path in real life were bracing for impact and evacuating to safety, but in the online sphere, players used real-time weather data to gather above the Gulf of Mexico and fly into the eye of the storm.
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