“A Celestial Visitor” by George Martin

Young Competition category winner: Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2015

1 October 2015 Astronomy Now

This image of Comet C/2014 Q2 Lovejoy was taken from Market Harborough, Leicestershire, UK by 15-year-old George Martin on 18 December 2014 using a Sky-watcher 200P 200mm f/5 Newtonian telescope, Sky-watcher EQ5 equatorial, single-axis motor mount and Nikon D3200 camera, ISO 3200. Image credit: © George Martin.
This image of Comet C/2014 Q2 Lovejoy was taken from Market Harborough, Leicestershire, UK by 15-year-old George Martin on 18 December 2014 using a Sky-watcher 200P 200mm f/5 Newtonian telescope, Sky-watcher EQ5 equatorial, single-axis motor mount and Nikon D3200 camera, ISO 3200. Image credit: © George Martin.
In the words of the astrophotographer: “Having seen two comets previously, and having bought a new telescope, I decided to have a shot at what the display of C/2014 (Lovejoy) could hopefully offer. I could see the comet both with my eyes and through the eyepiece, and noticed how fast it moved when flicking through photos. I knew it would be an issue to stack, as the comet would appear blurred. Having separated the detail from the light pollution, the tail can be easily seen. It is fantastic to think that Lovejoy will not be visible again for another 8000 years.”

This year’s Insight Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition received a record 2700 entries by astrophotographers from 59 countries around the world. These astonishing pictures reveal fresh perspectives on astrophotography favourites alongside some of the great astronomical events of the last year.

We will showcase the winning images from all 11 categories over the next few days, but if you wish to see them all together on display, the Royal Observatory Greenwich has an exhibition open 18 September 2015 — 26 June 2016. Hours: 10.00–17.00, entry is free.

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