A remarkable composite photograph taken by Shanghai-based astrophotographer Tianyao Yang has captured the International Space Station silhouetted against the January 2026 Wolf Moon, offering a breathtaking perspective on humanity's orbital outpost as it transited the lunar disk in less than one second. The image, created by stacking multiple frames from a high-speed shooting sequence recorded on January 3 at 20:57 China Standard Time, demonstrates both technical mastery and perfect timing, showcasing the ISS's distinctive outline against the Moon's cratered surface while highlighting the vast scale difference between the two celestial objects.
Yang employed professional-grade equipment to achieve this precise capture: a Sony A1 camera paired with a Sony 600mm f/4 G Master lens and a 2x teleconverter, mounted on an iOptron HST equatorial mount for tracking stability. Shooting at ISO 500 with a 1/3200-second shutter speed in continuous mode at 30 frames per second, the photographer collected a rapid sequence of images as the space station crossed the lunar face. The final composite was assembled through careful frame selection and digital stacking, a processing technique that combines the clearest ISS silhouettes into a single image showing the complete transit path across the Moon's bright surface.
The photograph's power lies in its dramatic scale contrast. The International Space Station orbits approximately 400 kilometers (250 miles) above Earth, while the Moon lies roughly 385,000 kilometers (239,000 miles) distant—nearly a thousand times farther away. This vast distance difference makes the ISS appear as a tiny, sharp silhouette against the Moon's massive disc, despite the station being large enough to cover a football field. Yang's successful capture required precise prediction of the transit time and location, as such events are visible only from narrow geographic corridors and last mere seconds, making this image a rare achievement in amateur astrophotography.
The timing of this photograph resonates with renewed global interest in lunar exploration, particularly as NASA prepares to launch Artemis II in early 2026, the first crewed mission to orbit the Moon since Apollo 8 in 1968. While Artemis II will carry astronauts around the Moon and back to Earth, Yang's image reminds us of the continuous human presence already operating in orbit and our enduring relationship with Earth's natural satellite. The photograph bridges the gap between scientific documentation and artistic expression, capturing both a technical achievement in space engineering and the timeless beauty of celestial mechanics.
Yang's work exemplifies how modern astrophotography combines accessible technology with dedicated skill to produce images that rival professional observatory output. His Instagram channel, tythunder17, showcases additional astronomical imagery, demonstrating the growing community of amateur astronomers who contribute meaningful observations to public appreciation of space. For those inspired to attempt similar photography, experts recommend starting with basic equipment and mastering fundamental techniques like lunar tracking and precise timing before investing in specialized gear, as understanding celestial mechanics proves more valuable than expensive equipment alone.
BBC Sky at Night Magazine, which featured Yang's photograph, continues to solicit submissions from astrophotographers at all skill levels for potential publication. The magazine's editors noted that the January Wolf Moon generated exceptional public response, with countless observers reporting its beauty, particularly during its conjunction with Jupiter in the evening sky. As space agencies worldwide accelerate lunar exploration plans, images like Yang's serve as accessible entry points for public engagement with space science, transforming complex orbital mechanics into visually stunning moments that connect viewers directly with humanity's expanding presence beyond Earth.
