Astrophotographer Captures Rare Image of ISS and Solar Flare

On June 15, 2025, astrophotographer Andrew McCarthy achieved a remarkable feat in the field of astrophotography by capturing a rare image of the International Space Station (ISS) transiting across the Sun, coinciding with a significant solar flare. This unprecedented moment not only showcases the beauty of celestial mechanics but also highlights the challenges faced by astrophotographers in capturing fleeting astronomical events.

The photograph, described by McCarthy as his "best solar transit photo,” features the ISS crossing the solar disk while a solar flare, an intense burst of energy and radiation from the Sun, erupts just above it. McCarthy noted that this image might be the only one of its kind, combining both the ISS and a solar flare in the same frame, a claim supported by his extensive experience in the field.

To secure this shot, McCarthy traveled to a remote desert location, where he faced extreme temperatures that peaked at 129 degrees Fahrenheit (54 degrees Celsius). In an interview, he explained the lengths he went to in order to protect his equipment and himself from the heat, stating, "I had to bring several ice packs to put under my computers and sensitive electronics and run thermoelectric coolers on my cameras. I brought an entire cooler full of water and managed to drink all of it!"

McCarthy utilized an Espirit 150 telescope, modified for solar photography, along with an Apollo-M Max camera to capture this stunning image. His technique involved taking a single photo as the master image and subsequently masking in stacked versions of both the Sun and the ISS to reduce noise and enhance clarity. This meticulous approach is essential as the transit of the ISS across the Sun lasts less than one second, requiring precise timing and planning.

The significance of McCarthy’s achievement extends beyond mere aesthetics. According to Dr. Helen Turner, an astrophysics researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, capturing such events is vital for understanding solar phenomena, as they can provide insights into solar dynamics and their effects on Earth's atmosphere. Dr. Turner stated, "Photographs like these help us study solar activity, which can impact satellite operations and even power grids on Earth."

The ISS, currently home to a crew of seven astronauts, orbits Earth approximately every 90 minutes, making transits across the Sun rare occurrences that require careful forecasting. Websites like the ISS Transit Finder are invaluable resources for photographers seeking to capture such events. McCarthy's previous work includes a high-resolution image of the Sun composed of 100,000 individual photos, demonstrating his commitment to advancing the field of astrophotography.

This particular image, dubbed "Kardashev Dreams" by McCarthy, symbolizes humanity's aspirations as it grows into an interstellar civilization. He has made the photograph available as a limited edition print on his personal website, emphasizing the artistic side of astrophotography alongside its scientific merit.

As the field of astrophotography continues to evolve with advancements in technology, experts believe that such breathtaking images will become more attainable. Dr. Lisa Chen, a professor of Astronomy at the University of California, Berkeley, remarked, "With the advent of more sophisticated imaging technology and increased public interest in astronomy, we can expect to see even more extraordinary captures of celestial events in the years to come."

In conclusion, Andrew McCarthy's photograph serves as a testament to the intersection of science and art, illustrating the beauty of our universe while also contributing to the scientific community's understanding of solar phenomena. As interest in space exploration and astrophotography grows, such images will undoubtedly inspire future generations to explore the cosmos further.

For those interested in viewing more of McCarthy’s work, it can be found on his Instagram and other social media platforms, as well as through his official website, where he shares his passion for capturing the wonders of the universe.