Overview
- Arizona-based Andrew McCarthy coordinated with skydiver Gabriel C. Brown and a paramotor pilot to stage a silhouette transit across the solar disc.
- Real-time three-way communications guided the aircraft and jumper, and six alignment passes were needed before McCarthy issued the jump command.
- Using a hydrogen-alpha solar telescope, McCarthy recorded the chromosphere’s detailed texture and sunspots, pairing the transit with a high-resolution solar mosaic to create the final image.
- Behind-the-scenes video and posts on Reddit, Instagram, and X corroborate the shot’s authenticity as the image spreads widely and limited-edition prints go on sale.
- McCarthy describes the picture as possibly a first-of-its-kind; some outlets report a Nov. 8 Arizona shoot with approximate altitudes and distances, details not independently verified.