Photographer Captures Stunning Image of Skydiver Silhouetted Against the Sun
PHOENIX, AZ – november 14, 2025 – Photographer Andrew McCarthy has achieved a remarkable feat, capturing a breathtaking image of a skydiver appearing to transit the sun’s surface. The photograph, titled The Fall of Icarus, showcases the silhouette of the skydiver against the solar chromosphere, a layer of the sun’s atmosphere.
This image represents a significant achievement in astrophotography,blending the artistry of portraiture with the technical challenges of solar imaging. McCarthy’s work builds on his previous successes capturing objects against the sun, including a rocket launch in September, and demonstrates an innovative approach to visualizing the scale and beauty of our solar system. The photograph is available as a limited-edition print through McCarthy’s website.
McCarthy shared the image on X (formerly Twitter) on november 11, 2025, writing, “This is The Fall of Icarus.A skydiver transiting the sun.captured from Oracle, Arizona.”
This is The Fall of Icarus. A skydiver transiting the sun. Captured from Oracle, Arizona. ☀️https://cosmicbackground.io/pages/ea_the-fall-of-icarus
– Andrew McCarthy (@AJamesMcCarthy) November 11, 2025
The title, The Fall of Icarus, references the Greek myth of Icarus, who flew too close to the sun and his wax wings melted. McCarthy collaborated with Gabriel C. Brown on the project.
More of McCarthy’s work can be found on his Instagram, X, Facebook, and website.
Image credits: All photos by Andrew McCarthy.
