A Silhouette Across the Sun:
Catching the ISS in Transit
~ Irshaad A. Rashid
June 24, 2025 - 9:39:49.86
as seen from Burlington, ON, Canada
A blink.
Less than a second.
That's all the time you get to shoot when your target's moving at 27,600 kilometers per hour transiting the Sun.
But in that blink - humanity leaves a trace.
The International Space Station is a football field-sized outpost hurtling at 7.66 kilometers per second, and my first attempt at capturing it resulted in a mere dot, a pixel drowned in the Sun's glare. This time, with a slightly improved technique, it had shape! The outline of solar panels and a structure where humans live, work, and float up above in the thermosphere. The Sun, freckled with sunspots, didn't flinch as the station carved its tiny silhouette into the light.
To take this video, I used my telescope, solar filter, and DSLR camera. And thankfully, there were no clouds blocking the Sun that morning. There was however, at 9:39 AM and 49 seconds and 86 hundredths of a second. the clockwork of orbits and the thrill of knowing that: Right now, someone up there might be looking back.
This experience is so different from photographing constellations, planets or nebulae. Those subjects will wait for you. But an ISS solar transit, you have to meet it - exactly when it appears.
And then?
It's over.
But for that fraction of a second, you've held something incredible in your hands, something you dreamt about as a child, an actual spaceship!
Burlington, ON, Canada
Note: Never look at or photograph/video the Sun without proper solar filters, always protect your eyes and equipment.
8 comments
😆That’s crazy.
It’s very amazing. It’s sooooooooooooooo fast. You can barely see it at the normal speed!
Another fantastic video! Truly amazing that you were able to capture this image with such precision. And the way that you explain the process and the experience make it so easy to follow. Alhamdulillah!
Awesome ✨️
Unbelievable shot! Very Impressive.
What a capture bro Mashallah. I would definitely not look at it as after you capture that ‘it’s over’, but rather YES! I can’t believe I captured the notorious ISS we all have heard and seen as kids. The best part is YOU captured it and you can treasure this and look at it over and over again. Wonderful stuff bro, I hope you more success in capturing the world outside of us. Truly these are signs for those who reflect.
Looks stunning
I remain in awe of your pursuit of the captivating photos that are planned with patience and precision. Keep on inspiring us, and reminding us of the awesone majesty of the universe. the perfect creation and control of the One!!!