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Astrophotographer Captures Skydiver Against the Sun in ‘The Fall of Icarus’

Shot Nov. 8 in Arizona, the image relied on hydrogen-alpha solar imaging after six alignment attempts.

Overview

  • Arizona-based Andrew McCarthy photographed Gabriel C. Brown transiting the solar disk during a skydive from a small aircraft.
  • He coordinated live with the paramotor pilot and the jumper to steer the aircraft’s path and cue the jump within a very narrow field of view.
  • Hydrogen-alpha filtering revealed the Sun’s chromosphere and sunspots, providing the detailed backdrop for Brown’s silhouette.
  • McCarthy assembled a high-resolution solar mosaic and aligned the transit frames to create the final composite image.
  • Behind-the-scenes video and widespread coverage confirm the shot’s authenticity, with limited-edition prints now available.