I got the ESA feature as an astrophotographer
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My name is Pramod Singh Khati, a budget astrophotographer from Uttarakhand, India. The cosmos is where I find peace for my mind and soul. As a Physics student, I am passionate about sharing the magic of the universe with people who may not yet have experienced it. I am deeply grateful to the European Space Agency for giving me the opportunity to share my story and work with their global community. @europeanspaceagency
Every astrophotograph carries a story, and together they are shaping the story of my life. My journey began with capturing the Orion constellation and its reflection, but the moment that truly transformed me was photographing my first comet: Comet NEOWISE. Later, witnessing and capturing Comet Tsuchinshan–ATLAS, one of the most remarkable comets of our generation, reinforced my belief that such experiences are meant to be shared.
“Happiness is only real when shared.” Christopher McCandless
This belief led me to start a journey of public outreach through our initiative, Kosmikai, dedicated to sharing the wonders of the night sky with people and inspiring the next generation. Using an 8-inch Dobsonian telescope, we have introduced many individuals to the cosmos for the first time while also raising awareness about an often-overlooked astronomical challenge -light pollution. From a small corner of the Himalayas, this is my humble effort to connect people with the universe above them.
Most of my images are captured using modest equipment, including a Nikon D5300 and even a Pixel smartphone, sometimes with a simple manual barn-door tracker. Astrophotography has taught me that it is not the equipment but the cosmos itself that brings magic to the images.
All photos are from Nainital, Uttarakhand
1️. Comet Tsuchinshan–ATLAS over Nainital, Pixel 7| 2024
Nikon D5300
2. Orion Reflection| 2019
3. Comet Tsuchinshan–ATLAS | 2024
4. Comet NEOWISE (C/2020 F3) | 2020
5. Comet C/2024 G3 ATLAS| 2025
6. Orion (Barn-door Tracker)| 10 × 3 min| 2021
7. Eja (Mother) & Comet Tsuchinshan–ATLAS| 2024
8. Milky Way Story, Panorama Stitch | 2020
9. Camping Under Orion| 2020
10. Milky Way with a Comet, Pixel 7 | 2024
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