NASA released an incredible image of the ISS passing across the sun while it’s orbiting the Earth recently. This image has been captured at a time without sunspots. Therefore, it has become more important and valuable. Thanks to Rainee Colacurcio, who made an attempt to capture this photo, the world has become able to enjoy this unique moment.
Colacurcio has also posted some other images of ISS transiting the Sun, demonstrating her talent in capturing such a technically difficult photograph. “Transiting the Sun is not very unusual for the ISS, which orbits the Earth about every 90 minutes, but getting one’s timing and equipment just right for a great image is rare,” stated NASA, who featured the image as its Astronomy Picture of the Day.
The final image is a result of the combination of two photographs together. One of the combined images featured the space station as it transited the Sun, while the second one was captured in order to snap the details of the surface of the Sun. This has resulted in a perfect image without sunspots. However, this isn’t a rare incident as we’re currently in a duration of low solar activity which is called the Solar Minima.
According to the scientific information, this specific cycle can last for about 11 years. Therefore the sun can go days without sunspots or solar flare. According to NASA the sunspot activity is quite low these days, even for a Solar Minima. Perhaps you have no exact idea on what a sunspot is. Sunspots are temporary spots and appear on the outer shell of the sun due to the low temperatures which are caused as a result of the magnetic fields. Although we see them as tiny black patches on the Sun, they can be as huge as planets. Apart from their size, they can last for months too. Yet, the scientists are unaware about the reduction of sunspots at present. But, it has helped us to enjoy a beautiful photograph at the end.
This magnificent photo of the ISS passing across the sun has made a better one by the lack of sunspots on this giant star.
All images via Rainee Colacurcio.