How to Photograph Aircraft Crossing the Sun
A plane crossing the Sun can look amazing. The aircraft becomes a dark silhouette against the solar disc, and if the timing is right, it can be one of those frames you remember for a long time.
But before anything else: solar photography needs to be done safely. Do not point a camera, telescope, binoculars, or long lens at the Sun unless you are using a proper solar filter fitted securely to the front of the optics.
Safety comes first
Never look through an unfiltered camera or telescope at the Sun. This can cause permanent eye damage very quickly. A normal ND filter, polariser, sunglasses, smoked glass, or random dark plastic is not enough.
Use a proper solar filter made for photography or astronomy. The filter should go on the front of the lens or telescope, before sunlight enters the optics.
If you are not sure whether your setup is safe, stop and check before using it. No photo is worth damaging your eyes.
What gear works?
A telephoto lens can work well for white-light solar photography when paired with a proper solar filter. Many photographers use lenses in the 400mm to 600mm range. Telescopes can also work, especially if you already use them for solar imaging.
Dedicated solar telescopes, such as H-alpha systems, can show more detail on the Sun, but they also need proper knowledge and safe handling. Whatever setup you use, make sure it is designed for solar viewing or solar photography.
Camera settings
Start with a fast shutter speed. Aircraft move quickly, and the Sun is bright even through a solar filter. You may be able to shoot at very fast shutter speeds depending on your filter and camera.
Keep ISO low where possible. Focus carefully on the edge of the Sun or sunspots if visible. Heat shimmer can make focusing tricky, especially in the middle of the day.
Burst mode or video is highly recommended. The transit can be over almost instantly.
Using Transit Chaser for Sun transits
Open Transit Chaser and choose Sun mode. The app uses your location and live flight data to check whether any nearby aircraft may line up with the Sun.
If a possible aircraft transit is detected, the app will alert you. The warning gives you a chance to start recording or shooting. It does not guarantee the aircraft will cross the exact centre of the Sun.
Aircraft can turn, climb, descend, or disappear from the data feed. This is why the app may sometimes alert and then stop alerting. That usually means the latest data no longer shows a strong alignment.
Good conditions help
Clear skies are obviously important, but seeing conditions matter too. Heat shimmer can soften the aircraft and the solar edge. Early morning and late afternoon can sometimes be better, depending on your location.
The Sun’s altitude also matters. If it is too high, it can be uncomfortable to aim and track. If it is too low, atmospheric distortion can become a problem.
Be ready before the alert
Do not wait for the alert to start setting up. By the time an aircraft is close enough for a serious warning, you should already have the Sun framed, focus checked, exposure set, and camera ready.
The best workflow is simple: set up safely first, leave Transit Chaser running, and start shooting as soon as the alert appears.
Final reminder
Sun transits can be incredible, but only if done safely. Use proper solar filters, check your setup carefully, and never look at the Sun through unfiltered optics.