West Seattle photographer shows you how to safely capture the International Space Station as it crosses the sun

The image was sent by Kevin Freitas, who’s offering you the chance to capture something similar, safely. Here’s his announcement:

Join local amateur photographer, sky watcher, and meteor hunter Kevin Freitas to learn how to capture a solar transit of the International Space Station. We’ll talk through how to set up your photo or video gear and apps to use to find transits and measure precise time. Then, just before 3:30, we’ll try to capture a transit!

The most important item you need is a solar filter to put atop your camera lens to filter out most of the Sun’s burning light. Don’t have a filter? Make your own with these filter sheets and some black tape. CAUTION: Never stare at or photograph the Sun without a proper solar filter!

When: Monday, July 31, 2:30-3:30 pm
Where: (update) New location – Magnolia Boulevard Viewpoint (map) – see comment discussion
RSVP: kevinfreitas.net@gmail.com or text 253-229-5093

1994 July 28, 2023 (9:23 am)

Way COOL!

Neighbor July 28, 2023 (10:16 am)

Kevin, this is awesome! Thanks for all you do to build community.

Wseattlite July 28, 2023 (10:17 am)

This is amazing! What an opportunity provided by local talent.

Svenry July 28, 2023 (12:28 pm)

The ISS performed an altitude boost the other day, which resulted in Jack Block Park (along with the rest of West Seattle) no longer being in the transit path. Gasworks Park looks like a good spot to relocate, potentially. Great idea getting a group together! I love shooting ISS transits, but it’s usually a very solitary endeavor.

Kevin Freitas July 28, 2023 (9:11 pm)

Thx! And it already moved yet again. :/ Will drop a comment here Sunday on a final spot but this is now definitely less convenient.

Greg July 28, 2023 (10:04 pm)

It appears as if there will be a transit visible from W. Seattle tomorrow evening (7/29) about 1/2 hour before sunset at 8:17:15. The transit time will be longer (~6.55 seconds) since the Sun is lower on the horizon. Anchor Park would be a good viewpoint

Kevin Freitas July 29, 2023 (6:27 am)

I saw that, too, thx Greg! I chose the Monday time as the distance to the ISS overhead is far less which means a larger target to try to image (and I’m out of town). Would be interesting to see nonetheless! Cheers!
Svenry July 29, 2023 (7:59 pm)

During that transit the ISS will be over 1,200 miles away and very difficult to see. Here’s a photo of one I captured at 9° above the horizon. I was using a 1500mm telescope, but the ISS was still only a small cluster of pixels. Generally speaking, transits below 30° won’t show much detail.