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Skydiver Transits the Sun in Astrophotographer’s H-Alpha Shot That Goes Viral

Andrew McCarthy engineered the alignment with Gabriel C. Brown using precise timing and distance.

Overview

  • Photographer Andrew McCarthy published an image and video showing skydiver Gabriel C. Brown perfectly aligned with the solar disc during a skydive.
  • The capture was made in hydrogen‑alpha light, revealing chromosphere details such as sunspots and prominences.
  • The post on X surpassed six million views, and Elon Musk reacted with the comment, “Nice shot.”
  • Brown said the team overcame multiple malfunctions and achieved success on their sixth attempt after extensive planning of location, timing, aircraft and exit altitude.
  • Reported parameters included a jump near 3,500 feet with McCarthy positioned roughly 8,000 feet away to achieve the alignment, and the photographer has released prints of the image.