Comet C/2022 e3 ztf Wins the 2023 AAPOD2.com Image of the Year

This year, we are thrilled to announce the winner of the Armature Astronomy Image of the Year award on AAPod2.com: the mesmerizing image of Comet C/2022 e3 ztf, captured by the talented astrophotographer Karteris Themis.

On January 28, 2023, amidst the serene darkness of the night, Karteris Themis embarked on a celestial journey from Vavdos Chalkidiki, Greece. Armed with a passion for the cosmos and a keen eye for detail, Themis embarked on a photographic odyssey that would unveil the ethereal beauty of Comet C/2022 e3 ztf.

The image is a testament to the patience and dedication to comet imaging, comprising 104 frames of 60-second exposures, totaling an integration time of 1 hour and 44 minutes. Amidst a lunar phase of 48.39%, Themis navigated the challenges posed by moonlight to reveal the comet's intricate details against the backdrop of a beautifully processed star field.

The basic astrometry details of the image provide a glimpse into the technical precision involved in capturing such celestial wonders. With an astrometry.net job ID of 7089525, the image centers on RA 12h49m36s.7 and DEC +77°13'15", boasting a pixel scale of 1.397 arcsec/pixel and an orientation of 179.471 degrees. The field radius spans a vast 1.459 degrees, showcasing the expansive reach of Themis's lens into the depths of space.

Themis's passion for astronomy shine brightly through this captivating image. He has created image that serves as a reminder of the boundless beauty of the universe.

As we celebrate the remarkable achievements of astrophotographers like Karteris Themis, we are reminded of the profound impact that the cosmos has on our lives. Through their lens, we gain a deeper understanding of our place in the universe and the wonders that await us beyond the confines of our own planet.

Congratulations to Karteris Themis for his outstanding contribution to armature astronomy, and may his image of Comet C/2022 e3 ztf continue to inspire. With an impressive 42% of the vote by our users, it's evident that his work has touched the hearts and minds of countless enthusiasts around the globe in the world of astrophotography.