Capturing the International Space Station as it Crosses the Moon: A Stellar Observation
This past Thursday, I had the extraordinary opportunity to photograph the International Space Station (ISS) as it transited across the face of the Moon under near-perfect atmospheric conditions. The resulting image offers a detailed glimpse of the station silhouetted against the cratered southern wasteland of our lunar neighbor, showcasing the remarkable clarity achievable under optimal seeing.
This marks my third successful ISS lunar transit capture in 2026, coming after a two-year hiatus that served as a restart for my astrophotography pursuits. I am pleased to share that this photograph is, to date, the clearest and most detailed of my captures, vividly highlighting the solar arrays, various modules, and laboratory sections of the ISS as it swiftly crosses the lunar surface.
Equipment and Technical Setup
- Telescope: Celestron C9.25 Schmidt-Cassegrain
- Cameras: ZWO ASI294MC and ASI662MC
- Filters: IR685nm and UV/IR cut
Imaging Parameters
- Exposure Time: 0.75 milliseconds
- Gain: 240
Processing Workflow
Capturing this event involved precise planning and execution. The images were initially recorded using ASICap, then stacked for clarity with Autostakkert. Wavelet processing was applied in Registax6 to emphasize fine details, and final adjustments were made using Adobe Photoshop Express to enhance overall image quality.
This experience underscores how steady atmospheric conditions and meticulously chosen equipment settings can produce breathtaking astrophotographs. I look forward to further honing my techniques and capturing more celestial transits that reveal the intricate dance between human-made spacecraft and our natural satellite.
Conclusion
Photographing the ISS crossing the Moon is a challenging yet rewarding pursuit that combines technical skill with patience. Achieving such clarity underlines the importance of optimal conditions and proper processing. I hope this image inspires others to explore lunar and satellite imaging, revealing the dynamic universe beyond our planet.
Stay tuned for more astronomical captures and insights into astrophotography techniques.