Breathtaking Picture Of Solar Flare Wins Man Astronomy Photographer Of The Year Award

Astrophotography stands as a testament to the intersection of art and science, requiring not only technical skill but also a deep understanding of the cosmos.

Winning image shows close-up of sun

Each year, the Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition, hosted by the Royal Observatory Greenwich (ROG), showcases the most stunning images captured by experts in the field.??

In the latest edition, Turkish astrophotographer Mehmet Ergun emerged victorious, bagging the prestigious People’s Choice Award for his mesmerising photograph of the Great Solar Flare.Ergun's winning image offers a close-up view of the sun, captured through an H-alpha solar telescope.

Taken in Traisen, Germany, on September 4, 2022, the photograph highlights the sheer magnitude of the solar flare, measuring approximately 700,000 km in diameter, surpassing that of the Earth.

Accolade adds to Ergun's list of achievements

This accolade adds to Ergun's impressive list of achievements in astrophotography. He boasts three NASA APOD (Astronomy Picture of the Day) awards, the winner's trophy of AAPOD2 (Amateur Astronomy Photo of the Day), and recognition from esteemed platforms like ASTROBIN and the Save A Star Foundation.

Further, he has secured the EAPOD (European Astronomy Picture Of The Day) and Astronomia Picture Of The Day titles.Describing his award-winning image, Ergun said, “Here we see our Sun, photographed using an H-alpha solar telescope. The Sun is moving towards its maximum cycle and in the photo, we can see a large solar flare. Solar flares are sudden bursts of magnetic energy on the surface of the Sun. These eruptions can be very large, as seen in the image."

Expressing his gratitude on social media, Ergun credited the support of his followers for his success, emphasising the significance of their votes in securing the win. He reflected on his journey, acknowledging that nearly a decade ago, he could not have envisioned achieving such recognition.

Ergun's fascination with space and astronomy traces back to his childhood, nurtured by family holidays spent in nature spots far from city lights. In 2010, he acquired his first telescope, igniting his passion for astronomy and astrophotography. Through years of dedication and self-learning, Ergun honed his skills, capturing the celestial wonders of the universe through his lens.

As his portfolio continues to expand, Mehmet Ergun remains dedicated to exploring the beauty of the cosmos and sharing his awe-inspiring images with the world. His journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of passion and perseverance in unlocking the mysteries of the universe.

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