Wang Zhipu, 16, a high school student begins his voyage into space after class. Positioning a telescope on the balcony at home, he observes the skies, taking photos. Recently, his efforts were rewarded when he won the title of “Young Astronomy Photographer of the Year” in the Royal Observatory Greenwich’s annual astrophotography contest.
The event, jointly organized by the Royal Observatory Greenwich in London and the BBC’s Sky at Night magazine, is the world’s biggest astrophotography competition. His winning entry, entitled Family Photo of the Solar System, shows seven of the eight planets lined up, with the sun on the left and moon on the right, both pictured larger in size than normal.
This year the competition attracted over 4,500 entries from 75 countries. Wang’s photo took first prize in the Young Competition category, an award for photographers aged 15 and under. He entered the competition in February. At the time, he was not yet 16. “I saw photos taken by other photographers in the Young Competition category, and some looked similar to mine, so I thought, why not try?” he said.
Wang developed an interest in astronomy after reading about the subject as a child. He taught himself astrophotography by reading books and by searching online. He used a second-hand telescope that his parents had given him. “The first time I used it, I saw the moon. It was splendid. I was thrilled!” he said. Sometimes, he would be so immersed in his observations that he wouldn’t go downstairs to fetch a coat. Other times, he stood for hours under the burning sun to get the perfect shot.
In addition to the fame, Wang’s biggest bonus is the 1,500 pound ($2,023) prize money, which will allow him to buy a new camera. “I will keep on. Astronomy will be a lifelong hobby. It would be great if I could help popularize science in the future, or become an astronomy teacher,” he said.
His passion touched the judges. Sheila Kanani said, “As a planetary scientist, I applaud the work that has gone into creating this photo.”
【小题1】What is Wang Zhipu’s winning photo like, according to the passage?| A．Seven planets, the sun and the moon are in a straight line. |
| B．Seven planets line up with the sun and the moon on each side. |
| C．Seven planets, the sun and the moon are larger than normal. |
| D．Seven planets are much larger than the sun and the moon. |
| A．Popularity of the competition. |
| B．His desire to win the prize. |
| C．Other competitors’ photographs. |
| D．His parents’ encouragement. |
| A．Trapped in. | B．Absorbed in. | C．Connected with. | D．Exposed to. |
| A．A short biography. | B．An online post. |
| C．A diary entry. | D．A news report. |
