The ISS Crosses the Sun: Stunning Photos Captured
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Chapter 1: The ISS in Action
The International Space Station (ISS) has been orbiting Earth for nearly 25 years. A recently surfaced photograph allows us to appreciate its journey against the backdrop of the Sun.
This incredible image, featured below, is the work of Wang Letian, an astronomy enthusiast from Beijing. Since childhood, Wang has nurtured a passion for the cosmos. Over time, he transitioned from simply observing celestial bodies to capturing them through photography. To achieve the best results, he often ventures to the outskirts of the city, where reduced light pollution enhances his observations.
Wang's dedication has yielded impressive results. He captured a series of images showing the ISS as it traverses the Sun's surface. By layering these photographs, he created a stunning visual representation of the station's flyby, revealing intricate details of the Sun's surface. The Sun is adorned with spots that vary in magnetism and temperature, surrounded by a dark orange halo that adds an eerie allure.
Section 1.1: The Journey of the ISS
The International Space Station was launched into orbit in 1998, with its first crewed mission commencing two years later. Originally, the ISS was projected to operate for just 20 years. However, it appears that its lifespan may extend well beyond that expectation. Despite facing various challenges, including mechanical failures and geopolitical tensions, there is optimism that this remarkable space laboratory will remain functional until at least 2030.
Subsection 1.1.1: Competing Projects in Space
In parallel, China is advancing its own space ambitions with the construction of the multi-module Tiangong station. The Chinese National Space Administration (CNSA) is actively seeking collaboration with other nations, as they currently lack access to the ISS, which is governed by NASA, Roskosmos (Russia), CSA (Canada), JAXA (Japan), ESA (Europe), and Brazil's Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais.
Chapter 2: Exploring the Universe
This video showcases the impressive moment the ISS transits the Sun, captured through a hydrogen alpha telescope, offering a unique perspective on this celestial event.
Here, we explore how the International Space Station experienced the total solar eclipse of 2024, highlighting its vantage point in space during this remarkable phenomenon.
Galaxies — Types and Numbers in the Universe
Galaxies are vast collections of stars, gas, dust, and dark matter bound together by gravitational forces. Astronomers categorize galaxies based on their shapes and characteristics, exploring the vast diversity that exists in the universe.
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