Who is Andrew McCarthy and what is he famous for?

Andrew McCarthy is an astrophotographer known for capturing unique and often challenging images of celestial events and phenomena, like a skydiver against the sun.

What is 'The Fall of Icarus' photo about?

'The Fall of Icarus' is a photograph of a skydiver falling in front of the sun, symbolizing human ambition and our place within vast natural forces.

How did Andrew McCarthy prove his 'Icarus' photo isn't AI?

McCarthy provided behind-the-scenes footage of the skydive and detailed his image stacking postproduction process to verify its authenticity.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Skydiver Freefalls Before Fiery Sun: 'The Fall of Icarus'

Skydiver Freefalls Before Fiery Sun: 'The Fall of Icarus'

6 Dec, 2025

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Summary

A skydiver intentionally jumped in front of the sun for a unique photograph.
The image, titled 'The Fall of Icarus,' symbolizes human ambition and limits.
Behind-the-scenes footage was shared to prove the photo isn't AI-generated.

Skydiver Freefalls Before Fiery Sun: 'The Fall of Icarus'

Astrophotographer Andrew McCarthy and skydiver Gabriel C. Brown successfully captured a remarkable image of Brown silhouetted against the sun. The ambitious project, named 'The Fall of Icarus,' involved Brown leaping from a plane at the precise moment McCarthy aligned his camera with the sun's disc.

McCarthy's journey into astrophotography began in childhood and evolved into a career driven by a desire to share the profound feeling of awe derived from observing the universe. This specific project challenged the boundaries of what is photographically possible.

To combat skepticism about the image's authenticity amid rising AI technology, McCarthy released behind-the-scenes footage and detailed his image stacking techniques. This effort aimed to showcase the genuine human achievement behind the 'The Fall of Icarus,' emphasizing real moments of universal beauty.