A Once-in-a-Lifetime Aurora

Tom Rae emerged as the overall winner with his spectacular shot of the Aurora Australis, captured during a rare geomagnetic storm in May 2024. His award-winning image highlights the majestic Milky Way arching over the picturesque Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, illustrating nature's dramatic displays. Rae's entry also earned him the top spot in the “Aurora” category.

New Categories Ignite Competition

This year, the competition introduced new categories like Smartphone Images and a People’s Choice Award, alongside more traditional categories such as Deep Sky, Solar System, Dark-Sky Places, Timelapse, and Nightscape. Tom Rae once again dominated the Nightscape category, celebrating his accomplishment with a stunning panorama of the Milky Way framed by the rugged peaks of Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. Rae expressed his pride in this image, noting it contained over a billion pixels stitched together from 62 individual shots—making it his largest panorama to date.

Deep Sky Discoveries

In the Deep Sky category, Rolf Wahl Olsen showcased his exceptional talent with an amateur photograph of Eta Carinae, marking a historic moment by capturing light echoes from this legendary star’s 19th-century Great Eruption. Olsen expressed his excitement, stating that while these light echoes had previously been observed by major telescopes, his work represents a breakthrough in amateur astrophotography. Inspired by his previous successful detection of supernova SN1987a, Olsen sought to capture the more elusive light echoes near Eta Carinae.

Solar Splendor

Navaneeth Unnikrishnan captured the Solar System category with a stunning full-disk image of the Sun. Utilizing an H-alpha filter, he revealed the Sun’s dynamic surface, complete with magnificent prominences, serving as a powerful reminder of the celestial wonders beyond our atmosphere.

Capturing the Night Sky

In the Dark Sky category, Abby Keith trekked through Fiordland National Park, capturing a striking panorama of Lake Mackenzie and the starry sky above. Her image, comprising 54 different exposures, showcased the extraordinary beauty of New Zealand’s landscapes under a blanket of stars. Keith described her experience as the most challenging she has faced in astrophotography, but ultimately worth every ounce of effort.

Smartphone Photography Triumphs

A standout entry from Griffin featured a remarkable shot taken during the May 2024 auroral storm, demonstrating that extraordinary images don’t always require professional equipment. He was astounded by the capabilities of his iPhone, proving that accessible technology can yield professional-level results.

People's Choice Award Shines Bright

New this year, the People’s Choice Award allowed the public to vote for their favorite images after the short-list was announced. The winner delighted audiences with an evocative photograph that captured not just the stars but the spirit behind astrophotography.

Timelapse Wonders

The competition also showcased innovative work from Last Quarter Photography, featuring a mesmerizing timelapse of mountains rotating against a backdrop of stars. This unique perspective adds a fresh twist to traditional astrophotography.

Celebrating New Zealand’s Astrophotography Talent

The New Zealand Astrophotography Competition, co-hosted by the Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand (RASNZ) and the Auckland Astronomical Society, not only celebrates stunning visuals but also fosters a community of passionate astrophotographers. This year's judges included Fraser Cain, Judy Schmidt, and Dylan O'Donnell, who each brought their wealth of expertise and creativity to the event.

For those eager to dive deeper into the cosmos, the official NZ Astrophotography Competition website offers a gallery of all the winners and notable entries from this year's competition, clearly showcasing the incredible talent and dedication of New Zealand's astrophotographers. Don't miss the chance to explore the wonders of our universe through their eyes!