Teenager Captures Incredibly Clear Picture Of Saturn And Its Iconic Rings From His Backyard

A 15-year-old youngster used a telescope in his backyard to snap an image of Saturn that many experienced astronomers would be proud of.

Marcus Reed of Seaford, East Sussex, used a 102mm diameter reflector telescope to acquire a crisp view of the gas giant, complete with its spectacular rings.

The student said that he remained up until 4 a.m., using an iPhone app called Sky Guide to locate the planet in the sky.

Reed said:

‘I WAS PLEASANTLY SURPRISED WHEN I LOOKED BACK AND SAW I HAD SUCH A CLEAR PICTURE – SATURN IS MY FAVOURITE PLANET. THE AMOUNT OF POSITIVE FEEDBACK I RECEIVED SURPRISED ME MASSIVELY. I HAVE BEEN INTERESTED IN ASTRONOMY AND PHOTOGRAPHY FOR A LONG TIME, AND I REALLY ENJOY IT – I USE MY TELESCOPE EVERY NIGHT WHEN IT’S CLEAR. I’M IN THE AIR CADETS – WHEN I’M OLDER I’D LIKE TO JOIN THE RAF THEN BECOME A COMMERCIAL PILOT, BUT AFTER THAT I ASPIRE TO JOIN THE EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY AS AN ASTRONAUT,’.