Big Dipper: Arya Anthony from Vadodara is only Indian to get selected in Astrophotography contest

Arya Anthony a Mechanical student from Vadodara brings laurels to the city and India as his photo got selected in the Astrophotography contest conducted by OAE-Office for Astronomy and Education which works under the umbrella organization IAU-International Astronomical Union. He is the only Indian participated in the contest.

Currently a third year Mechanical Engineering student studying in Manipal Institute of Technology, Udupi, Karnataka, his interest in Astronomy since childhood and fascination for the night sky makes him participated in the Astrophotography contest conducted by OAE-Office for Astronomy and Education which works under the umbrella organization IAU-International Astronomical Union. IAU has 12000 active members in more than 100 countries with a mission to promote Astronomy in all aspects including research, communication, education and development through OAE centres.

Around 31 countries had participated in this contest and Arya is the only Indian participant whose photo “Big Dipper” got selected in the category: Naked Eye Astronomy of Stars and was published in their website on 15th December, 2022. Big Dipper is a part of a larger constellation of Ursa Major or Great Bearand makes up the 7 brightest stars of the constellation. The photos will be available as educational resources with astronomical topics to astronomers globally on their website.

Arya Anthony began photography during Corona time and with his passion got selected in an International photography contest.

Living in the Pratapganj area he made his mark in the astronomy photography competition among contestants from 31 countries of the world that participated in the competition. Out of which about 40 contestants have been awarded by getting a chance to feature on their website.

Photos of contestants from several countries including USA, China, Egypt, Italy, Germany and UK have been uploaded along with their explanation. Arya’s photo from India has been selected from India. He captured a photo of a cluster of 7 brightest stars of the constellation (saptarshi), for which it took him about 30 minutes. “I clicked 70 photos and merged them to make one photo. I believe that expensive cameras do not produce good photos, photography requires vision,” said Arya.