Space has featured a striking image of the International Space Station crossing the sun during the total solar eclipse, according to a report published on Aug. 14, 2026. The photo, highlighted as the outlet’s image of the day, captures the station as a small silhouette against the bright solar disk.
The image was taken during the total solar eclipse, a celestial event that occurs when the moon passes between Earth and the sun, temporarily blocking sunlight. Space reports that the ISS photobombed the scene, appearing in the frame as it transited the sun at the same moment as the eclipse.
The photograph serves as a reminder of the precise timing and positioning required to capture such a phenomenon. The ISS orbits Earth at high speed, making its transit across the sun brief and difficult to predict for photographers on the ground. Combining that with the narrow path of totality for a solar eclipse adds an extra layer of complexity.
Space regularly features astronomical images, and this particular shot stands out for combining two rare sights in one frame: a total solar eclipse and the presence of a crewed spacecraft. The outlet did not provide additional details about the photographer or the exact location where the image was captured.
For those interested in space photography or upcoming celestial events, this image highlights the kind of planning needed to document such moments. Future solar eclipses may offer similar opportunities, though capturing an ISS transit alongside one will remain a challenging feat.
