The International Space Station Transits the Sun . ... It's the International Space Station (ISS) caught by chance passing in front of the Sun. Sunspot s, individually, have a dark central umbra , a lighter surrounding penumbra, and no solar panels. ... Also, sunspots occur on the Sun , whereas the ISS orbits the Earth . ... Sunspots have been rare on the Sun since the dawn of the current Solar Minimum , a period of low solar activity. ... NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers . ...