Astrophotographer Captures Stunning Image of skydiver Appearing to Fall Into the Sun
A breathtaking image depicting a skydiver seemingly plummeting into the sun has been captured by astrophotographer Andrew McCarthy,in collaboration with skydiver Gabe brown and a paramotor pilot. The composite photograph,titled “The Fall of Icarus,” meticulously aligns a skydiver’s silhouette with the sun’s surface,creating a visually arresting scene reminiscent of the Greek myth.
The project, detailed by McCarthy, wasn’t a spontaneous shot but a carefully orchestrated endeavor. “This was quiet tricky!” mccarthy explained. “I set up several cameras and got on a 3-way call with the pilot and Gabe. the pilot watched his shadow as he climbed in the aircraft, and when he saw it was going to intersect where I was set up, he would idle his power and glide through the Sun, while I gave commands on how to steer once I could see his silhouette.” The team endured five failed attempts due to equipment malfunctions before successfully capturing the image.
The photograph’s creation involved precise timing and communication. The pilot adjusted the paramotor’s speed based on McCarthy’s instructions, aligning the skydiver’s shadow with the sunspots before giving the command to jump. The resulting image is a testament to the dedication and coordination of the team.
Limited edition prints of McCarthy’s astrophotography, including ”The Fall of Icarus,” are available for purchase on his website: https://cosmicbackground.io/pages/ea_the-fall-of-icarus.
