Astrophotographer Captures Stunning Image of Skydiver “Photobombing” the Sun

New Delhi, November 14, 2025: Astrophotographer Andrew McCarthy has created a breathtaking image that blends human adventure with cosmic wonder. In a rare and meticulously planned shot, McCarthy photographed his friend skydiving directly across the Sun, capturing a moment that has never been seen before. Using a specialised solar telescope, McCarthy captured the Sun in hydrogen-alpha light, which highlights the solar atmosphere’s details. This technique allowed him to photograph not only the skydiver mid-descent but also the intricate textures and fiery activity of the Sun’s surface. Solar prominences, swirling plasma, and the chromosphere’s vibrant reds and oranges are visible, creating a striking backdrop for the human silhouette. “This might be the first photograph of its kind,” McCarthy said. His experience in capturing solar phenomena, including solar flares and the International Space Station passing in front of the Sun, made this almost impossible shot possible. Every detail, from the Sun’s position to the skydiver’s trajectory, had to be precisely calculated. Atmospheric conditions, timing, and telescope alignment were all critical to capturing the perfect frame. The resulting image is an astonishing combination of human daring and cosmic scale. The skydiver’s dark silhouette contrasts vividly with the Sun’s brilliant surface, creating a sense of awe and perspective. Viewers are reminded of the vastness of the universe while appreciating the thrill of human adventure. McCarthy released both a close-up of the Sun and an image showing the full solar disc, highlighting the dramatic intersection of the skydiver’s path with the star’s fiery surface. The images have quickly gone viral, inspiring both astrophotographers and space enthusiasts around the world. The project demonstrates the fusion of art, science, and human coordination. It required exact timing, precise calculations, and careful planning, making it a rare achievement in the field of astrophotography. The image not only captures a fleeting moment in time but also showcases how human curiosity and technical skill can combine to create extraordinary visuals. McCarthy’s work serves as a reminder of how astrophotography can merge everyday experiences with the universe’s mysteries. By capturing a skydiver against the backdrop of our closest star, he has produced an image that evokes wonder, curiosity, and admiration for both human ingenuity and the natural beauty of the Astrophotographer Captures Stunning Image of Skydiver “Photobombing” the Sun Astrophotographer Andrew McCarthy has captured a once-in-a-lifetime shot of his friend skydiving directly across the Sun. Using a specialised solar telescope in hydrogen-alpha light, he not only photographed the skydiver but also revealed the Sun’s fiery surface, including solar prominences, swirling plasma, and the vibrant chromosphere. The image is the result of meticulous planning. McCarthy calculated the exact timing of the jump, the Sun’s position, and the skydiver’s trajectory. Atmospheric conditions and precise telescope alignment were all considered to make this nearly impossible shot possible. The skydiver’s dark silhouette against the bright, detailed Sun creates a stunning contrast, combining human adventure with cosmic scale. McCarthy shared both a close-up of the Sun and a full-disc view, highlighting the dramatic intersection of human action and the star’s grandeur. The photo has gone viral, inspiring astrophotographers and space enthusiasts worldwide. This extraordinary capture reminds us how human curiosity, technical skill, and patience can create images that merge everyday experiences with the mysteries of the universe. It’s a true testament to the power of astrophotography to inspire awe and wonder.