Comet ISON

Damian Peach

Seven photographers who captured images of Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON) were named winners in the Comet ISON Photography Contest, co-sponsored by the National Science Foundation's Division of Astronomical Sciences, Astronomy magazine, and Discover magazine. The announcement was made Monday, April 14, 2014, at the Northeast Astronomy Forum at Rockland Community College in Suffern, N.Y.

Comet ISON, one of the brightest comets of recent decades, disappeared on its final approach towards the sun last November 28, when it was a mere 680,000 miles above the sun's surface.

Winners in the photo contest were selected in three categories: 1) Cameras and tripods without the aid of mechanized tracking or telescopes; 2) Piggyback cameras mounted on a telescope or motorized mount; and 3) Through-the-scope telescopic images.

In the "Through-the-Scope" category, Damian Peach, of Hampshire, England, won 1st place for his image titled "Broom Star."

"Comet C/2012 S1 ISON"

Gerald Rhemann

2nd place in the "Through-the-Scope" category went to Gerald Rhemann, of Vienna, Austria.

"Capturing an event like Comet ISON is even more of an achievement, because it was so close to the Sun and visible to the naked eye for such a short time," said Maria Womack, an NSF astronomy division program director. "Photographers like those who did so well in our contest, make sure the rest of us don't miss these special occasions. The pictures are impressive and ethereal – and truly captured the comet's last gasp."

"Comet ISON over Pokhara City, Nepal"

Atish Aman

In the "Cameras and Tripods" category, Atish Aman, of Delhi, India, won first place with this image of ISON over Pokhara City, Nepal.

"Comet ISON, Port Medway, Nova Scotia"

Barry Burgess

Barry Burgess, of Nova Scotia, Canada, won second place in the "Cameras and Tripods" category for his image of Comet ISON over Port Medway, Nova Scotia.

"Comet ISON Gossamer Tail & Disconnection Event"

John Chumack

In the "Piggyback Cameras" category, 1st place went to John Chumack of Ohio.

"Mercury and ISON"

Gaeul Song

2nd place in the "Piggyback Cameras" category was won by Gaeul Song, of Korea, for this image of the planet Mercury and ISON.

"Comet ISON"

Eric Cardoso