An Airplane in Front of the Sun
Sometimes, good planes come to those who wait.
Experienced solar photographer Thierry Lagault had noticed planes
crossing in front of the Sun from his home in suburban Paris. He then
got the idea for the above photograph, but had to wait through many
near misses. About two weeks ago, he got his wish: a jet crossed directly
in front of the Sun when his solar imaging equipment was set up. The resulting
image, shown above, was taken in a specific color of red light called
Hydrogen-Alpha, and the picture's contrast has been digitally enhanced.
Dark prominences can be seen lacing the Sun's busy surface. The airplane
is an MD-11.