A Moment Frozen in Time: Atlantis Silhouetted Against the Sun

This breathtaking image captures a truly remarkable moment in space exploration history: the Space Shuttle Atlantis transiting, or passing in front of, the Sun. Taken on May 12, 2009, by renowned astrophotographer Thierry Legault, this photograph offers a unique and powerful perspective on our ventures beyond Earth.

The Science Behind the Shot

In this tightly cropped image, the NASA space shuttle Atlantis is seen in silhouette during its solar transit. This incredible feat of photography was made possible by a specially filtered Takahashi 5-inch refracting telescope and a Canon 5D Mark II digital camera. The photographer meticulously captured this moment when Atlantis was orbiting Earth, not the Sun, creating a dramatic visual juxtaposition.

This particular transit occurred just before Atlantis and its crew embarked on a critical mission: grappling the Hubble Space Telescope for repairs and upgrades.

A Glimpse into a Golden Era

For those who remember the Space Shuttle program, this image evokes a sense of nostalgia and a profound appreciation for the daring spirit of human ingenuity. The shuttle, a symbol of a bygone era of space exploration, is still out there, a testament to the incredible engineering and ambition that defined those missions.

More from the Photographer

For those eager to delve deeper into this remarkable capture and the missions it represents, the original source page offers additional insights, including a spectacular shot of Atlantis and the Hubble Space Telescope taken the following day. This second image is particularly special, being one of its kind, showcasing the shuttle and observatory together in orbit.

This photograph is more than just an image; it's a reminder of what we can achieve when we reach for the stars.