Skydiver Aligned With Sun: Stunning “Fall of Icarus” Shot

In a photograph that has stunned the world, Arizona-based photographer Andrew McCarthy has captured a skydiver perfectly aligned with the fiery surface of the Sun. The image, titled “The Fall of Icarus”, was taken on November 8 in a desert, with musician and skydiver Gabriel Brown leaping from a small propeller plane at around 3,500 feet.

McCarthy, positioned roughly 8,000 feet away, called the timing “absolutely preposterous,” noting the extreme precision and planning required. Remarkably, he captured this surreal moment on his very first attempt, a testament to both skill and careful preparation.

The photograph immediately went viral, with viewers praising the creativity and technical mastery involved. Social media users described it as “insanely epic” and “magnificent,” acknowledging the dedication behind the composition. Many highlighted the sheer difficulty of capturing such a fleeting and perfectly aligned moment.

This isn’t McCarthy’s first viral success. Earlier this year, he photographed the International Space Station (ISS) passing in front of the Sun, catching a solar flare in the process. That image, dubbed Kardashev Dreams, became an instant favorite among astronomy enthusiasts and photographers alike.

Both photographs showcase McCarthy’s talent for merging human subjects with celestial phenomena, creating visual stories that feel otherworldly yet grounded in precise execution. As fans continue to marvel at his work, “The Fall of Icarus” has already carved a place among the most unique and technically challenging photos in modern photography.