Amateur Photographer Captures Stunning Images of International Space Station with Backyard Telescope
A remarkable feat of astrophotography has demonstrated that breathtaking views of the International Space Station are achievable even with modest equipment. Photographer AJ Smadi recently captured a series of exceptionally clear images of the ISS, utilizing a surprisingly accessible setup and a unique tracking method.
The ISS orbits Earth approximately 250 miles above the surface, often appearing as a faint point of light in the night sky. However, Smadi’s images reveal intricate details, showcasing the station’s solar panels reflecting sunlight. “I actually photographed a total of three flybys last night,” Smadi wrote on Tuesday morning, “It’s amazing to see the sunlight reflect off the panels.”
A Unique Tracking Method
Smadi’s success isn’t attributed to sophisticated software tracking systems. Instead, he employs a hand controller paired with a laser pointer to maintain a lock on the rapidly moving ISS. This unconventional approach highlights the ingenuity and skill involved in capturing these images. The resulting photograph, a composite of 20 individual frames, was described by Smadi as “by far my sharpest ISS photo.”
Aboard the International Space Station
As of April 19, 2025, the ISS is home to a crew of 11 individuals. This includes seven core astronauts representing NASA, Roscosmos, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). Additionally, the Axiom-4 private mission, a commercial crew, docked on June 26, 2025, adding four more spaceflight participants to the station’s population. Smadi’s images, therefore, capture a moment in time with a record number of people in orbit.
Backyard Astronomy’s Growing Capabilities
The clarity of Smadi’s images has sparked considerable online discussion, with many commenters expressing amazement at the capabilities of modern amateur astronomy equipment. “It’s genuinely mind-boggling to consider how quickly we’ve advanced over mere decades,” Smadi observed. His setup includes a Celestron 9.25″ Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope and a ZWO ASI662MC camera, demonstrating that professional-quality results are increasingly attainable for enthusiasts.
Beyond the ISS: Capturing Celestial Events
Smadi is no stranger to capturing extraordinary images of space. Last month, his photograph of a solar eclipse occurring on Saturn – specifically, Titan, Saturn’s largest moon passing in front of the Sun – was featured by PetaPixel. This image showcases his ability to document rare and distant celestial events with remarkable precision.
More of Smadi’s work can be found on his Instagram and Reddit.
Image credits: AJ Smadi.
