Overview

The prestigious Royal Observatory Greenwich has announced the winner of the Astronomy Photographer of the Year 16, and once again, it’s a breathtaking reminder of the universe's beauty and the extraordinary skills of astrophotographers around the globe. This year, a record-breaking 3,500 entries poured in from 58 countries, highlighting the immense talent and creativity within the field of astronomy photography.

Among the 11 categories featured in this year's competition, judges carefully selected a winner, runner-up, and highly commended entries for each category. The stunning winning photos are on display at the National Maritime Museum in London, UK, offering a chance for enthusiasts to appreciate the best of celestial art in person.

Dr. Ed Bloomer, an esteemed astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich and a member of the judging panel, expressed his excitement: “Once again, I've had the great privilege of being on the judging panel for Astronomy Photographer of the Year – an abundance of astonishing works flood to us, and it truly is a joy to see what the world’s best astrophotographers are producing. The selection process is long and involves lively debates among the panel.”

Winning Photo

The competition's overall winner emerged from the Our Sun category, showcasing a mesmerizing image that captures the shadow cast by features on the surface of the Moon as it glides in front of the Sun. This ethereal moment reminds us of the intricate dance between celestial bodies, and the artistry inherent in astrophotography.

Highlights of the Competition

1. **Aurorae Category:** A breathtaking panorama of the mountains around Queenstown, New Zealand, showcases 19 individual images combined to create a stunning display of pink beams illuminating the night sky.

2. **Our Moon Category:** The Bay of Rainbows, known as Sinus Iridum, stood out with its striking contrast, beautifully accentuated using a monochrome camera.

3. **Galaxies:** The captivating NGC 5128, complete with its tidal wave system and visualization of powerful relativistic jets, leaves viewers in awe of the universe's grandeur.

4. **People & Space:** An H-alpha image illustrates the Sun's intense activity, capturing the silhouette of the International Space Station transiting across its surface, a spectacular interplay of man-made technology and nature.

5. **Planets, Comets, & Asteroids:** A stunning false-color composite exhibits the phases of Venus as it approaches inferior conjunction—a thrilling moment for planetary observation.

6. **Skyscapes:** The rugged Tasman Valley perfectly frames the arc of the Milky Way, enriched by the red hydrogen gas captured with an H-alpha filter, alongside the ethereal Magellanic clouds.

7. **Stars & Nebulae:** A remarkable view of a supernova remnant comes from a staggering 3,559 frame combination, accumulating over 260 hours of exposure, proving that dedication can yield extraordinary results.

8. **Young Competitors:** Emerging talents showcased stunning images, with the California Nebula capturing the hearts of many.

The competition not only highlights the beauty of space but also promotes a deeper understanding of the cosmos and inspires future generations of astronomers and photographers alike. With the exhibition running for a while longer, attendees are encouraged to not just view the images but to immerse themselves in the stories and the science behind them. Don’t miss out on this celestial showcase!