A 12-year-old astrophotographer from Cornwall has captured a stunning photograph of the solar eclipse after a plane flew past the sun during the moon’s passage across.
Self-confessed space enthusiast Finley Hurdle was taking images of Wednesday evening’s eclipse when everything aligned.
He said: "I was amazed by the eclipse itself, but seeing the plane fly past the sun at the same time was incredible.
"I love astronomy and astrophotography because the possibilities are limitless.
"There is always something new waiting to be discovered and more to learn."
Finley and his family had travelled from their home in Mount Hawke to St Agnes Head to witness the rare astronomical phenomenon.
Cornwall had one of the best views of the partial eclipse, with up to 96% coverage.
The next eclipse of this level is not scheduled until 2081.
Finley, a student at Nexus, which is part of Camborne Science and International Academy, used his SeeStar S30 telescope with a solar filter to capture the shot.
He is building up his collection of photographs showing various galaxies, planets, stars and nebulae – but the chance to include one of a near full-coverage solar eclipse was a moment that couldn’t be passed up.
His mum Hayley said: "Finley is a very keen astophotographer.
"He started using telescopes from the age of eight and he now has a collection of five.
"It is fair to say that the night of the partial eclipse was the best of his life.
"A new moon for dark skies and the Perseid meteor shower in its full glory – an absolute treat for a budding astronomer."
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