In an awe-inspiring showcase of celestial photography

Ryan Imperio has emerged as the overall winner of the highly esteemed Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition, thanks to his breathtaking image capturing Baily’s beads during the spectacular 2023 annular eclipse.

Organized by the Royal Observatory Greenwich, this annual event announced the winners on Thursday, celebrating Imperio's remarkable skill in capturing this elusive phenomenon, which happens when sunlight filters through the Moon's valleys and craters, creating a dazzling spectacle of light. “These moments are fleeting and require impeccable timing, making them a true challenge to photograph,” stated the Royal Observatory in their announcement.

“I am both thrilled and honored to have my photo recognized among such exceptional work,” expressed an humbled Imperio, who described his victory as unexpected. The competition this year saw an impressive participation of over 3,500 entries from 58 countries, showcasing magnificent images that included the ethereal Aurora Australis and breathtaking captures of the International Space Station transiting the Sun.

The winners' photographs will feature in a captivating exhibition at London's National Maritime Museum, which opens Friday, allowing the public to immerse themselves in this year's extraordinary cosmic artistry.

Other noteworthy entries and category winners include:

Tom Williams, who won the People and Space category with a striking silhouette image of the International Space Station against a glowing sun.

Hungarian duo Bence Tóth and Péter Feltóti, who claimed victory in the Galaxies category for their breathtaking photo of galaxy NGC 5128, taken from Namibia.

Chinese photographers Xin Feng and Miao Gong, honored with the Sir Patrick Moore Prize for Best Newcomer for their stunning image of the Dolphin Head Nebula captured over a 10-day shoot.

Judges' Praise

Among the many awe-striking entries, Ed Bloomer, an astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich and one of the judges, lauded the collections of submissions as “astonishing works.” Victoria Lane, the senior curator at Royal Museums Greenwich, also praised the “astounding” array of talent and creativity exhibited in this year’s pool of images.

Conclusion

For astronomy enthusiasts and photography lovers alike, this competition continues to shine a spotlight on the beauty and wonder of our universe, inspiring both seasoned experts and budding photographers to explore the cosmos through their lenses. Don't miss your chance to witness these stunning visuals at the National Maritime Museum!