Who is the photographer behind 'The Fall of Icarus' image?

The photographer is Andrew McCarthy, an astrophotographer known for his detailed sun imagery.

How was the skydiver photo taken with the sun?

The photo required precise timing and a camera positioned two miles away to capture the skydiver in front of the sun.

What is 'The Fall of Icarus' about?

'The Fall of Icarus' is a viral photograph that makes a skydiver appear to be falling from the sun.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Skydiver Falls From Sun in Stunning Photo

Skydiver Falls From Sun in Stunning Photo

18 Nov

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Summary

Skydiver appears to fall from the sun in a photo titled 'The Fall of Icarus'.
The image required precise planning and a camera positioned two miles away.
The photo garnered praise from Elon Musk and NASA astronaut Don Pettit.

Skydiver Falls From Sun in Stunning Photo

An astrophotographer has created a stunning image, 'The Fall of Icarus,' depicting a skydiver appearing to tumble from the sun. This remarkable feat demanded meticulous planning and advanced photographic techniques, positioning the camera nearly two miles away to achieve focus on both celestial and terrestrial elements simultaneously. The resulting photograph, which went viral, captivated social media users and drew accolades from prominent figures including SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and NASA astronaut Don Pettit.

The skydiver, Gabriel Brown, jumped from a paramotor at approximately 3,500 feet. Capturing the precise moment of alignment with the sun presented a significant challenge for photographer Andrew McCarthy, requiring extreme patience and over an hour of circling passes by the pilot. McCarthy expressed his admiration for the contrast between the small human figure and the immense, dynamic star, finding optimism in the image's portrayal of human capability.