Astrophotographer’s Stunning ‘Fall of Icarus’ Image Goes Viral
Astrophotographer Andrew McCarthy has captured global attention with a breathtaking photograph showing a falling skydiver perfectly aligned against the fiery surface of the Sun. The image, taken on November 8 and titled “The Fall of Icarus,” has since gone viral for its extraordinary precision and artistry. McCarthy, based in Arizona, USA, said t
he shot demanded an exceptional level of planning. The skydiver, musician Gabriel Brown, jumped from a small propeller-powered paramotor at an altitude of approximately 1,070 metres. To keep both Brown and the Sun sharply in focus, McCarthy positioned his camera nearly 3.2 kilometers away on the ground. The result was a remarkable combination of timing, distance, and patience — all culminating in a single, unforgettable frame.