The Hubble Space Telescope recently made a rare appearance as it crossed the sun’s surface, an event captured by astrophotographer Efrain Morales. This remarkable moment took place on December 15, 2025, in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, as the telescope traveled at an impressive speed of about 17,000 miles per hour (27,000 kilometers per hour).
Capturing the Transit of Hubble
In the footage recorded by Morales, the Hubble can be seen as a small silhouette moving across a sunspot designated AR4308. The transit lasted only 1.01 seconds, demanding precise timing and positioning to ensure a successful capture.
Transit Details
- Date: December 15, 2025
- Location: Aguadilla, Puerto Rico
- Speed: Approximately 17,000 mph (27,000 kph)
- Duration of Transit: 1.01 seconds
- Sunspot: AR4308
- Visibility Corridor: 4.68 miles (7.54 km)
Morales utilized transit-prediction software to accurately trace the telescope’s path across the sun, which allowed for effective planning. Additionally, he employed a high-frame-rate imaging system to capture the brief moment. His equipment comprised a Lunt LS50THa solar scope mounted on a CGX-L, along with an ASI CMOS camera and Cemax 2x Barlows, designed specifically for safe solar observations.
Challenges of Observing Hubble
Unlike the International Space Station (ISS), which is much larger and easier to spot during solar transits, the Hubble measures about 43 feet (13 meters) long. This smaller size makes it significantly more challenging to resolve against the sun’s bright surface.
This event showcases the complexity and excitement involved in tracking the Hubble Space Telescope’s movements. For amateur astronomers, capturing such fleeting moments serves as a testament to meticulous preparation and the use of advanced imaging technology.
