Same old reason. Members of HN voted up because they found it of interest.
Now, tell me, did you really honestly not know that? I bet you did ;)
I think GP is really asking "Why do people find this interesting?"
A better question is: "Who doesn't find tracing packets from 39,000 feet interesting?" =)
Not that I care, but do the people who are down voting me, care to explain why? I don't think my comment was derogatory or anything, I just failed to understand why this article was amusing, and wanted to know what makes it interesting. I am sure other people might have the same question, and would have benefitted from the answers.
This appeals to me because I love anything dealing with aviation, you might love something else that I find to be an absolute bore and vice-versa. Is there any point discussing why we like and dislike what we like and dislike?
I thought there was maybe something I was missing, e.g. the speeds being extraordinary or something. I guess people are too trigger happy when it comes to downvoting a comment.