Budding photographer 15, captures Comet Neowise in sky above Little Haven, South Shields
Dylan Olsen, of Bainbridge Avenue, went out at 11.45pm on Monday, July 13, in the hope of catching a glimpse of the comet as it was visible in the North East skies.
He watched from Little Haven until around 2am on Tuesday, July 14 when he finally captured his perfect shots, showing the comet streaking through the night above the South Shields skyline.
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Hide AdThe mountain-sized Neowise comet made its closest approach to the sun on July 3 and is now shining brightly in the night skies.
Experts say that the newly-discovered comet – which will be visible to the naked eye this month – was last in the inner Solar System 4,500 years ago and it not expected to return for another 6,800 years.
Dylan, who is a keen amatuer photographer, inspired by his grandad Terry Smith, couldn’t miss the opportunity to get it on camera.
"I got my first camera about two years ago, but I think I’ve always had an interest because of my grandad - we go out on walks together and take our cameras,” said the St Wilfrid’s RC pupil.
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Hide Ad"It took me a few attempts to get the right shot – it’s a really hard thing to photograph – but eventually I managed to get it how I wanted and I’m really proud of how it turned out.”
Dylan’s aunt, Lynne Olsen, who contacted the Gazette to share Dylan’s work, commented: “Dylan regularly goes out and takes photos and always sends me them to me to have a look at. When I saw his shots of the comet I knew we had to send them in, I think they are some of the best he’s took.
"His mum and dad are really proud of him and want to encourage him in his hobby as much as they can.”
Neowise, named after the telescope used to first spot it, should be visible for the next few weeks in the northern skies, near the bright star Capella.
