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Astrophotography is probably one of the most difficult and specialized types of photography to try your hand at, but if you manage to get it right the rewards are some of the most astonishingly breathtaking images you are ever likely to see.

The Royal Observatory Greenwich has just revealed the winners of its annual Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition, and the quality of the entrants was nothing short of spectacular. This year the competition attracted 4,602 entries from 90 different countries across the world, all presenting the universe in a new light and vying for the coveted prize of best picture.

#1

Aurorae: 'Aurora Is A Bird' By Alexander Stepanenko

Aurorae: 'Aurora Is A Bird' By Alexander Stepanenko

Alexander Stepanenko Report

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Kjorn
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

no Wonder people Believe in so many thing when they saw that in the sky

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Hungarian photographer László Francsics was named the overall winner of Insight Investment Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2019. His bewitching image, 'Into the Shadow', depicts the 35 phases of the total lunar eclipse that occurred on 21 January 2019.

"I started taking astrophotos in 2003 at the age of 19 at the very moment I looked into a small telescope," László told Bored Panda. "I had already been into photography for several years, and one of my friends pulled me into amateur astronomy. I put the two things together immediately."

"For this moon eclipse shot I did not need to travel anywhere, I took this photo at home from the roof-terrace over my house. But for deepsky images (nebulas, galaxies) we have to go to extremely dark places far from settlement, also in Hungary. Hungary is actually a fairly good location in Europe for astrophotography as the light pollution is quite low at certain areas."

László is incredibly proud and honored to win the prestigious award, however he explains that it was not entirely unexpected. His wife knew it was coming! "When I started to process the image after my sleepless night of the capturing, she saw halfready image on my computers screen and told me confidently that it will be the next overall winner, he told us. "She has never said it before, despite I have already took 5 awarded images at the IAPY competition during the past 7 years."

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The style of photography, while techincal and difficult, is more accessible than you might think. László says that people are trying it with their mobile phones - you don't need a hundred thousand dollar robotic photo-telescope in the Atacama desert! "In Hungary we have a strong community of astrophotographers, he said. "In 2018, we founded the Hungarian Astrophotographers' Association, of which I became the chairman, and already have 90 members. We organise annual exhibitions, frequent club events, and most of all we go out together to take photos under the starry sky. Our recent great challenge to establish our own astrophoto observing site in Hungary."

Would you like to give it a try? Scroll down below to see the best of the entrants from this year's competition for yourself, and let us know what you think in the comments!

#2

Stars And Nebulae: 'Deep In The Heart Of Mordor - Ngc 7293' By Andrew Campbell

Stars And Nebulae: 'Deep In The Heart Of Mordor - Ngc 7293' By Andrew Campbell

Andrew Campbell Report

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Martata
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sauron has blue eyes in real life. Used lenses for the movie. Cute.

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#3

Our Sun Winner: 'A Little Fireworks' By Alan Friedman

Our Sun Winner: 'A Little Fireworks' By Alan Friedman

This image presents a view of the Sun infrequently seen. It reminds me of images viewed through a microscope rather than a telescope. Taking something as huge as our star and presenting it in such fine detail as if observed under the microscope is a real feat of photography.

Oana Sandu, Community Coordinator and Communication Strategy Officer at the European Southern Observatory (ESO)

The use of a different colour palette to our expectations gives us an alternative way to think about the Sun.

Alan Sparrow, Chair of the UK Picture Editors’ Guild and Director of the UK Picture Editors’ Guild Awards

Alan Friedman Report

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#4

People And Space Winner: 'Ben, Floyd & The Core' By Ben Bush

People And Space Winner: 'Ben, Floyd & The Core' By Ben Bush

Cloud cover doesn’t always scupper astronomy. It can complement and frame the sense of awe so long as it keeps in the right place, as captured here.

Jon Culshaw, comedian, impersonator and regular guest on The Sky at Night

Talk about a ’decisive moment!’ Vast yet intimate, breathtaking and touching all in one beautiful image.

Rebecca Roth, Image Coordinator and Social Media Specialist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center

I love the story of how Floyd the dog was persuaded to be a part of this fantastic image.

Alan Sparrow, Chair of the UK Picture Editors’ Guild and Director of the UK Picture Editors’ Guild Awards

Ben Bush Report

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#5

Skyscapes Highly Commended: 'Flower Power' By Brandon Yoshizawa

Skyscapes Highly Commended: 'Flower Power' By Brandon Yoshizawa

Timing is everything. There is no better example of that than this image. However, even the best timing needs an expert eye to make the most of it. The perfect execution of capturing and processing here makes me feel as if I’m standing on the ground witnessing this incredible event.

Steve Marsh, Art Editor for BBC Sky at Night Magazine

Looking rather like a special effect from some imaginary spacecraft in a science-fiction story, this image shows hot exhaust from a launching rocket making contact with colder air. Though the initial plume is thin, the changes in atmospheric conditions as the rocket climbs cause the exhaust to surge dramatically outwards, creating the ‘petals’ of the flower. Under the right conditions, minute ice crystals form, reflecting and scattering light from over the horizon, injecting colour into the scene (including rainbow effects). The apparent stillness of the natural landscape and the man-made activity overhead contrast wonderfully, and are dramatically framed.
Edward Bloomer, Planetarium Astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich


Brandon Yoshizawa Report

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#6

Stars And Nebulae: 'Ngc 6164, The Blue Doily' By Josep Drudis

Stars And Nebulae: 'Ngc 6164, The Blue Doily' By Josep Drudis

Josep Drudis Report

#7

Galaxies Highly Commended: 'Andromeda Galaxy' By Raul Villaverde Fraile

Galaxies Highly Commended: 'Andromeda Galaxy' By Raul Villaverde Fraile

This is a popular deep-sky target imaged to an intensely detailed degree. The bright halo around M31 really shines here. This is not easy to capture without bleaching out detail in the brighter parts of the main galaxy, but the photographer has managed to display fine dust lanes spiralling all the way into a beautifully balanced galactic core.

Steve Marsh, Art Editor for BBC Sky at Night Magazine

Raul Villaverde Fraile Report

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Sonya Jersey
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I truly believe there are other forms of life on other planets, on other galaxies. We formed like this, it's not impossible for others to form like us.

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#8

Aurorae: 'To The Flying Aurora' By Zhijun Yan

Aurorae: 'To The Flying Aurora' By Zhijun Yan

Zhijun Yan Report

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#9

Stars And Nebulae: 'Depth And Height, Ngc 7822 Devil's Head Nebulae Complex' By László Bagi

Stars And Nebulae: 'Depth And Height, Ngc 7822 Devil's Head Nebulae Complex' By László Bagi

László Bagi Report

#10

Robotic Scope: 'Sh2-308 Dolphin Head' By Tian Lee

Robotic Scope: 'Sh2-308 Dolphin Head' By Tian Lee

Tian Lee Report

#11

Skyscapes Winner: 'Across The Sky Of History' By Wang Zheng

Skyscapes Winner: 'Across The Sky Of History' By Wang Zheng

I was immediately struck by the surrealist quality of this image. There is a calmness about the scene but also a great strength in the twisted form of the dead tree reaching out, both towards the Milky Way and the falling meteor, making a powerful connection between the Earth, near sky and deep sky. The tonal quality and range emphasize the detail, which I can easily lose myself in for quite some time.

Mandy Bailey, Astronomy Secretary for the Royal Astronomy Society

From the movement of the trees to the streak of the meteor, there is symmetry and drama in this shot that feels like it was always there. The decision to de-saturate the image gives it an ageless feel.

Steve Marsh, Art Editor for BBC Sky at Night Magazine

Wang Zheng Report

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#13

Aurorae: 'Aurora Like Phoenix' By Wang Zheng

Aurorae: 'Aurora Like Phoenix' By Wang Zheng

Wang Zheng Report

#14

The Sir Patrick Moore Prize For Best Newcomer Joint: 'Bloodborne' By Keijo Laitala

The Sir Patrick Moore Prize For Best Newcomer Joint: 'Bloodborne' By Keijo Laitala

Keijo Laitala Report

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Dr.Scott
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I remember as a kid in the Smoky Mountains when we would get a big snow. You could see down into the town (Sevierville/Cherokee Hills) from the front porch. I used to love to go out there and sit. It's amazing how quiet and pure smelling the world is at night with snow on the ground.

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#15

Our Moon: 'Mineral Moon - Aristarchus Quadrangle' By Alain Paillou

Our Moon: 'Mineral Moon - Aristarchus Quadrangle' By Alain Paillou

Alain Paillou Report

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#16

Aurorae: 'Aurora Outside The Tiny Cave' By Sutie Yang

Aurorae: 'Aurora Outside The Tiny Cave' By Sutie Yang

Sutie Yang Report

#17

People And Space Runner-Up: 'Above The Tower' By Sam King

People And Space Runner-Up: 'Above The Tower' By Sam King

Night-time mist, ancient ruins, ethereal light and the quiet expression of the human presence all make this contemplative scene remind me of the romantic landscapes of the German painter Caspar David Friedrich.

Melanie Vandenbrouck, Curator of Art at Royal Museums Greenwich

Sam King Report

#18

Our Moon: 'Sunlight Versus Earthshine' By László Francsics

Our Moon: 'Sunlight Versus Earthshine' By László Francsics

László Francsics Report

#19

Stars And Nebulae Runner-Up: 'A Horsehead Curtain Call' By Bob Franke

Stars And Nebulae Runner-Up: 'A Horsehead Curtain Call' By Bob Franke

It takes control to present monochrome images of such colourful objects such as this one. Even more control to produce one as perfectly processed as this of an object notorious for its imaging difficulty.

Steve Marsh, Art Editor for BBC Sky at Night Magazine

Bob Franke Report

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#20

Skyscapes Runner-Up: 'Galactic Lighthouse' By Ruslan Merzlyakov

Skyscapes Runner-Up: 'Galactic Lighthouse' By Ruslan Merzlyakov

The range, balance and framing of this composition are already incredible, yet some intangible ingredient further elevates this image to dizzying heights of surreal beauty. The essence of exploration, from the terrestrial shore to the cosmic shore, with beacons of light both grounded and celestial, is utterly spellbinding.

Tom Kerss, Astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich

Ruslan Merzlyakov Report

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Nathalie Langevin
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Crazy that we miss all that with all the light we flood our cities with... Looking up to this really brings a sense of what you are in this world.... a tiny grain of sand quickly passing by.

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#22

Stars And Nebulae Winner: 'Statue Of Liberty Nebula' By Ignacio Diaz Bobillo

Stars And Nebulae Winner: 'Statue Of Liberty Nebula' By Ignacio Diaz Bobillo

This is simply exquisite! I love the pastel aquamarine and rosy hues, the delicate wisps of gas and dust, the finely drawn features of the nebula.

Melanie Vandenbrouck, Curator of Art at Royal Museums Greenwich

The choice of palette and attention to colour balance lend a fairy-tale quality to this image. Pools of light are perfectly balanced, inviting the eye to explore the abstract sculptural beauty of the nebulae. A superb result.

Tom Kerss, Public Astronomy Officer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich

Ignacio Diaz Bobillo Report

#23

Stars And Nebulae Highly Commended: 'The Elegant Elephant's Trunk' By Lluís Romero Ventura

Stars And Nebulae Highly Commended: 'The Elegant Elephant's Trunk' By Lluís Romero Ventura

An image of swathes of the universe under construction conveying a grace and beauty at vast distance, which contrasts with the cataclysms and ‘late heavy bombardments’ which are likely taking place at the heart of it.

Jon Culshaw, comedian, impersonator and regular guest on The Sky at Night

Lluís Romero Ventura Report

#24

Our Sun Highly Commended: 'The Sun - Atmospheric Detail' By Jason Guenzel

Our Sun Highly Commended: 'The Sun - Atmospheric Detail' By Jason Guenzel

I commend the creative and artistic choices made by the photographer in both the colour palette and the highlighting of the prominence with an enhanced atmospheric layer. The final image is spectacular. 

Ed Robinson, Award-winning photographer, creative director, visual consultant and founder of OneRedEye Visual Communications

www.rmg.co.uk Report

#25

The Sir Patrick Moore Prize For Best Newcomer Joint: 'The Perseid Fireball 2018' By Zhengye Tang

The Sir Patrick Moore Prize For Best Newcomer Joint: 'The Perseid Fireball 2018' By Zhengye Tang

Zhengye Tang Report

#26

Stars And Nebulae: 'Fiery Lobster Nebula' By Suavi Lipinski

Stars And Nebulae: 'Fiery Lobster Nebula' By Suavi Lipinski

Suavi Lipinski Report

#27

Stars And Nebulae: 'The Running Man Nebula' By Steven Mohr

Stars And Nebulae: 'The Running Man Nebula' By Steven Mohr

Steven Mohr Report

#28

Galaxies Runner-Up: 'Hydrogen Sculptures In The Large Magellanic Cloud' By Ignacio Diaz Bobillo

Galaxies Runner-Up: 'Hydrogen Sculptures In The Large Magellanic Cloud' By Ignacio Diaz Bobillo

This is a fascinatingly unusual image in its texture and patterns, like endless backlit smoke rings in the corner of a celestial jazz bar. 

Jon Culshaw, comedian, impersonator and regular guest on The Sky at Night

Ignacio Diaz Bobillo Report

#29

Our Sun Runner-Up: 'The Active Area Ar12714' By Gabriel Corban

Our Sun Runner-Up: 'The Active Area Ar12714' By Gabriel Corban

This is an incredible portrait of the Sun’s untameable fury – a maelstrom of seething plasma we so seldom consider as we bask in its warm rays on a peaceful day.

Tom Kerss, Public Astronomy Officer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich

Gabriel Corban Report

#30

Planets, Comets And Asteroids Highly Commended: 'Black Saturn' By Martin Lewis

Planets, Comets And Asteroids Highly Commended: 'Black Saturn' By Martin Lewis

I’ve loved the monochrome images in this year’s competition and this view of Saturn is no exception. Capturing an image using a methane filter to reveal this type of detail is technically challenging. It gives us a very different view of Saturn and one I found fascinating to explore, wondering what caused the methane to form into such bands.

Mandy Bailey, Astronomy Secretary for the Royal Astronomical Society

Martin Lewis Report

#31

The Sir Patrick Moore Prize For Best Newcomer Joint: 'The Horsehead Nebula' By Rob Mogford

The Sir Patrick Moore Prize For Best Newcomer Joint: 'The Horsehead Nebula' By Rob Mogford

Rob Mogford Report

#32

Our Moon: 'Hubble Space Telescope Transits Across The Moon Between Lunar X And Lunar V' By Michael Marston

Our Moon: 'Hubble Space Telescope Transits Across The Moon Between Lunar X And Lunar V' By Michael Marston

Michael Marston Report

#33

Stars And Nebulae: 'Ngc 2070 - The Tarantula Nebula' By Thomas Klemmer

Stars And Nebulae: 'Ngc 2070 - The Tarantula Nebula' By Thomas Klemmer

Thomas Klemmer Report

#34

Aurorae Winner: 'The Watcher' By Nicolai Brügger

Aurorae Winner: 'The Watcher' By Nicolai Brügger

I love the detail in the foreground. It puts a perspective on the aurora and gives a scale to this phenomenon.

Alan Sparrow, Chair of the UK Picture Editors’ Guild and Director of the UK Picture Editors’ Guild Awards

If an image is worth a thousand words, this one definitely encompasses that. The amount of elements to explore in this frame is impressive. Even more impressive is the way the elements come together in a balanced composition: the Milky Way arch above intersects with the aurora and the human presence points towards the landscape below, which puts up a light show of its own. I especially liked spotting the footprints in the snow.

Oana Sandu, Community Coordinator and Communication Strategy Officer at the European Southern Observatory

Nicolai Brügger Report

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#35

Skyscapes: 'Mars Above The Keck Lasers' By Sean Goebel

Skyscapes: 'Mars Above The Keck Lasers' By Sean Goebel

Sean Goebel Report

#36

The Sir Patrick Moore Prize For Best Newcomer Joint Winner: 'The Jewels Of Orion' By Ross Clark

The Sir Patrick Moore Prize For Best Newcomer Joint Winner: 'The Jewels Of Orion' By Ross Clark

This is an awe-inspiring photograph that really showcases the skills learnt by this talented astrophotographer. Great composition, colours, balance and drama makes this piece a jewel in itself.

Ed Robinson, award-winning photographer, director, creative director and founder of OneRedEye Visual Communications

A familiar target is made wonderfully vivid by a careful study of the most cutting-edge astrophotography methods. Even with modest equipment this photographer shows tremendous aptitude for the art form.

Tom Kerss, astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich

Ross Clark Report

#37

Young Highly Commended: 'M31 Andromeda Galaxy' By Tom Mogford

Young Highly Commended: 'M31 Andromeda Galaxy' By Tom Mogford

The photographer’s appreciation for the Andromeda Galaxy is obvious. This image is beautifully processed. Fine details, such as dust lanes in the larger of the two satellites, are clearly preserved, and the framing celebrates the enormous scale of the scene.

Tom Kerss, Public Astronomy Officer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich

Tom Mogford Report

#38

Our Moon: 'Halo' By Bernt Olsen

Our Moon: 'Halo' By Bernt Olsen

Bernt Olsen Report

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#39

Stars And Nebulae: 'The Wolf Nebula: Sl-17' By Andrew Campbell

Stars And Nebulae: 'The Wolf Nebula: Sl-17' By Andrew Campbell

Andrew Campbell Report

#40

Skyscapes: 'The Christmas Comet' By Tommy Eliassen

Skyscapes: 'The Christmas Comet' By Tommy Eliassen

Tommy Eliassen Report

#41

Our Moon Highly Commended: 'Seven-Colour Feather Of The Moon' By Yiming Li

Our Moon Highly Commended: 'Seven-Colour Feather Of The Moon' By Yiming Li

If photography is 'drawing with light', here it seems to be painting with light, with each luminous brushstroke clearly delineated on the boundless canvas of the night sky. A painting that is expressionist in feel with its sense of drama and momentum.

Melanie Vandenbrouck, Curator of Art at Royal Museums Greenwich

Yiming Li Report

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#42

Stars And Nebulae: "Melotte 15 In Cassiopeia - The 'Heart Of The Heart'" By Steve Milne, Barry Wilson

Stars And Nebulae: "Melotte 15 In Cassiopeia - The 'Heart Of The Heart'" By Steve Milne, Barry Wilson

Steve Milne, Barry Wilson Report

#43

Stars And Nebulae: 'Ngc 6543 - The Cat's Eye' By Jason Guenzel

Stars And Nebulae: 'Ngc 6543 - The Cat's Eye' By Jason Guenzel

Jason Guenzel Report

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#44

Stars And Nebulae: 'Galactic Artery' By Raul Villaverde Fraile

Stars And Nebulae: 'Galactic Artery' By Raul Villaverde Fraile

Raul Villaverde Fraile Report

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#45

Our Sun: 'Silent Spring Sun' By Alan Friedman

Our Sun: 'Silent Spring Sun' By Alan Friedman

Alan Friedman Report

#46

People And Space: 'Road To Glory' By Nicolai Brügger

People And Space: 'Road To Glory' By Nicolai Brügger

Nicolai Brügger Report

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#47

Skyscapes: 'Celestial Navigator' By Robin Stuart

Skyscapes: 'Celestial Navigator' By Robin Stuart

Robin Stuart Report

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Toujin C'Thlu
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you know Egyptian mythology, this is a very fitting picture.

#48

The Sir Patrick Moore Prize For Best Newcomer Joint Winner: 'Sky And Ground, Stars And Sand' By Shuchang Dong

The Sir Patrick Moore Prize For Best Newcomer Joint Winner: 'Sky And Ground, Stars And Sand' By Shuchang Dong

There is so much to enjoy about this picture: moonlight bathing the dunes in its silvery glow; the dramatic shadows seemingly sculpting the sand into cliffs and ravines; and the meeting of cosmic time and geological time.

Melanie Vandenbrouck, Curator of Art at Royal Museums Greenwich

There is great tonal range in this black-and-white image. I love all the lines combined with all the unique formations in the sand dunes.

Rebecca Roth, Image Coordinator and Social Media Specialist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland

A mesmerizing illustration of the night sky’s natural light; the dune sea promises a limitless horizon, yet the stars across the Universe outnumber its grains many times.

Tom Kerss, astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich

Shuchang Dong Report

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#49

Our Moon: 'Archimedes And The Alps' By Bud Martin Budzynski

Our Moon: 'Archimedes And The Alps' By Bud Martin Budzynski

Bud Martin Budzynski Report

#50

Our Sun: 'Out On A Limb' By Alastair Woodward

Our Sun: 'Out On A Limb' By Alastair Woodward

Alastair Woodward Report

#51

People And Space: 'Desert Light' By Jay Evans

People And Space: 'Desert Light' By Jay Evans

Jay Evans Report

#52

Skyscapes: 'Ageless' By Marcin Zajac

Skyscapes: 'Ageless' By Marcin Zajac

Marcin Zajac Report

#53

The Sir Patrick Moore Prize For Best Newcomer Joint: 'Eclipsed Moon Trail And Trees Covered With Snow' By Ximeng Deng

The Sir Patrick Moore Prize For Best Newcomer Joint: 'Eclipsed Moon Trail And Trees Covered With Snow' By Ximeng Deng

Ximeng Deng Report

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#54

Our Moon Winner And Overall Winner: 'Into The Shadow' By László Francsics

Our Moon Winner And Overall Winner: 'Into The Shadow' By László Francsics

The total lunar eclipse of January 2018 was widely seen across Europe, Africa and the Americas. In this composite photo, the Moon is drifting into the Earth’s shadow from the right to the left. The deep red colour occurs as sunlight, having been filtered through the atmosphere, spills into our planet’s shadow. Such events were once a source of great concern to superstitious onlookers, but eclipses are both benign and predictable, and of course spectacular to witness.

Tom Kerss, astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich

For a single multiple-exposure image to capture this event with such positional precision, creative innovation and beauty is nothing short of masterful. The colours of our atmosphere projected onto the Moon’s disc during the eclipse are not only artistically pleasing, but also offer an understanding of such events and can reveal aspects of our own, thin, yet essential atmosphere. In a year that celebrates 50 years since the first lunar landings, is it fitting that this year’s overall winning image captures such a dynamic and captivating view of the Moon. A worthy winner indeed.

Ed Robinson, award-winning photographer, director, creative director and founder of OneRedEye Visual Communications

László Francsics Report

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#55

Our Moon: 'Moon Eclipse Over Mount Etna' By Alessia Scarso

Our Moon: 'Moon Eclipse Over Mount Etna' By Alessia Scarso

Alessia Scarso Report

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Toujin C'Thlu
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This looks like it could be a medieval painting (if you ignore the electric towers)

#56

Stars And Nebulae: 'Gum 12' By Eddie Trimarchi

Stars And Nebulae: 'Gum 12' By Eddie Trimarchi

Eddie Trimarchi Report

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#57

People And Space: 'Human And The Nature' By Gu Fei

People And Space: 'Human And The Nature' By Gu Fei

Gu Fei Report

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#58

Planets, Comets And Asteroids Winner: 'Death Of Opportunity' By Andy Casely

Planets, Comets And Asteroids Winner: 'Death Of Opportunity' By Andy Casely

This is a brilliant sequence that not only communicates the all-consuming, Mars-wide scale of the dust storm, but also represents a poignant epitaph for the Opportunity rover. What incredible science it has given us. Opportunity will lie dormant for a time until a future Martian museum displays the plucky rover, alongside Beagle 2, Viking and all the others, for future settlers to observe with gratitude and amazement.

Jon Culshaw, comedian, impersonator and regular guest on the Sky at Night

Andy Casely Report

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#59

Planets, Comets And Asteroids: 'The Lord Of The Rings And His Court' By Jordi Delpeix Borrell

Planets, Comets And Asteroids: 'The Lord Of The Rings And His Court' By Jordi Delpeix Borrell

Jordi Delpeix Borrell Report

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#60

Aurorae: 'Polar Lights' By Grigorii Paramonov

Aurorae: 'Polar Lights' By Grigorii Paramonov

Grigorii Paramonov Report

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#61

Planets, Comets And Asteroids Runner-Up: 'Jupiter Unravelled' By Damian Peach

Planets, Comets And Asteroids Runner-Up: 'Jupiter Unravelled' By Damian Peach

Really this technique is something only space agencies and large observatories usually have the capabilities to produce, so to see it done so well here is a rare treat. Also notable are the surface details on Io; covering just a minute percentage of the main image, albedo markings and tonal differences are clearly seen on its tiny disc.

Steve Marsh, Art Editor for BBC Sky at Night Magazine

Damian Peach Report

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#62

Our Moon: 'Ink-Spots' By András Papp

Our Moon: 'Ink-Spots' By András Papp

András Papp Report

#63

Aurorae: 'Dancing In The Goðafoss' By Sutie Yang

Aurorae: 'Dancing In The Goðafoss' By Sutie Yang

Sutie Yang Report

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#64

Galaxies: 'The Sculptor Galaxy' By Bernard Miller, Martin Pugh

Galaxies: 'The Sculptor Galaxy' By Bernard Miller, Martin Pugh

Bernard Miller, Martin Pugh Report

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#65

Our Sun: 'Triple Green Flash' By Juan-Carlos Munoz-Mateos

Our Sun: 'Triple Green Flash' By Juan-Carlos Munoz-Mateos

Juan-Carlos Munoz-Mateos Report

#66

Skyscapes: 'Reflections Of Mount Hooker' By Marc Toso

Skyscapes: 'Reflections Of Mount Hooker' By Marc Toso

Marc Toso Report

#67

Our Moon Runner-Up: 'Crescent Moon During The Day' By Rafael Ruiz

Our Moon Runner-Up: 'Crescent Moon During The Day' By Rafael Ruiz

At first glance you may not realise how special this image is. Look closer and the pin-sharp detail of every single feature on the visible surface of the Moon shows that it was captured during a split second of perfectly still seeing. The photographer’s subtle processing has kept the natural colour of our daytime Moon intact.

Steve Marsh, Art Editor for BBC Sky at Night Magazine

Rafael Ruiz Report

#68

Our Moon: 'Impact Of A Meteoroid During The Total Lunar Eclipse' By Rafael Ruiz

Our Moon: 'Impact Of A Meteoroid During The Total Lunar Eclipse' By Rafael Ruiz

Rafael Ruiz Report

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#69

Our Moon: 'A Titanium Moon' By Miguel Claro

Our Moon: 'A Titanium Moon' By Miguel Claro

Miguel Claro Report

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#70

Stars And Nebulae: 'The Giant Cosmic Squid Nebula, Ou4' By J-P Metsavainio

Stars And Nebulae: 'The Giant Cosmic Squid Nebula, Ou4' By J-P Metsavainio

J-P Metsavainio Report

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#71

Stars And Nebulae: 'A Hole In The Sky' By André Van Her Hoeven

Stars And Nebulae: 'A Hole In The Sky' By André Van Her Hoeven

André van her Hoeven Report

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#72

People And Space: 'Albany Milkyway' By Yifan Bai

People And Space: 'Albany Milkyway' By Yifan Bai

Yifan Bai Report

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#73

Planets, Comets And Asteroids: 'Comet And Mountain' By Kevin Palmer

Planets, Comets And Asteroids: 'Comet And Mountain' By Kevin Palmer

Kevin Palmer Report

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#74

Robotic Scope Winner: 'Infrared Saturn' By László Francsics

Robotic Scope Winner: 'Infrared Saturn' By László Francsics

Colourful, abstract, creative and accomplished. I commend the photographer for their exploration and experimentation into colour and light to reveal a spectacular view of Saturn, one that I have never seen in this way before. An inspirational use of robotic scope and a reminder to amateurs that it’s a great and accessible tool to push your imaging, techniques and creativity further.

Ed Robinson, Award-winning photographer, creative director, visual consultant and founder of OneRedEye Visual Communications

László Francsics Report

#75

Skyscapes: 'Embrace Of The Mountains, Heart Of The Universe!' By Majid Ghohroodi

Skyscapes: 'Embrace Of The Mountains, Heart Of The Universe!' By Majid Ghohroodi

Majid Ghohroodi Report

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#76

The Sir Patrick Moore Prize For Best Newcomer Joint: 'Star Trails Above Everest' By Shuchang-Dong

The Sir Patrick Moore Prize For Best Newcomer Joint: 'Star Trails Above Everest' By Shuchang-Dong

Shuchang-Dong Report

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#77

Young Highly Commended: 'Daytime Venus' By Thea Hutchinson

Young Highly Commended: 'Daytime Venus' By Thea Hutchinson

Venus is very hard to image. It wobbles and shimmers so much as it is so close to the horizon. That this photographer has captured such a perfect shot here is amazing enough, but the use of IR filters shows real dedication to planetary imaging.

Steve Marsh, Art Editor for BBC Sky at Night Magazine

Thea Hutchinson Report

#78

Young: 'Polar' By Xiuquan Zhang

Young: 'Polar' By Xiuquan Zhang

Xiuquan Zhang Report

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#79

Aurorae Runner-Up: 'Aurora Australis From Beerbarrel Beach' By James Stone

Aurorae Runner-Up: 'Aurora Australis From Beerbarrel Beach' By James Stone

I love the colours and reflections of the Aurora Australis. The parallel magnetic field lines show up well in the red aurora and seem to point up to the Magellanic Clouds, contrasting nicely with the diffuse green aurora that draws the eye back down to the foreground.

Mandy Bailey, Astronomy Secretary for the Royal Astronomical Society, and lecturer with the Open University 

James Stone Report

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#80

Galaxies: 'The Mighty 101' By Nan Jiang, Wang Yao, Li Zhirong

Galaxies: 'The Mighty 101' By Nan Jiang, Wang Yao, Li Zhirong

Nan Jiang, Wang Yao, Li Zhirong Report

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#81

Galaxies: 'M82 - The Cigar Galaxy' By Jason Guenzel

Galaxies: 'M82 - The Cigar Galaxy' By Jason Guenzel

Jason Guenzel Report

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#82

Our Sun: 'Active Region 12706 Appearing Over Eastern Solar Limb' By Stuart Green

Our Sun: 'Active Region 12706 Appearing Over Eastern Solar Limb' By Stuart Green

Stuart Green Report

#83

People And Space: 'Catching Light' By Jason Perry

People And Space: 'Catching Light' By Jason Perry

Jason Perry Report

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#84

People And Space: 'Dwarfed By Galaxies' By Ekant Veer

People And Space: 'Dwarfed By Galaxies' By Ekant Veer

Ekant Veer Report

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#85

People And Space: 'First Of All' By Alessandro Cantarelli

People And Space: 'First Of All' By Alessandro Cantarelli

Alessandro Cantarelli Report

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#86

People And Space: 'At The Edge Of Forever' By William Vrbasso

People And Space: 'At The Edge Of Forever' By William Vrbasso

William Vrbasso Report

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#87

Planets, Comets And Asteroids: 'Family Portrait: The King And His Court' By Jordi Delpeix Borrell

Planets, Comets And Asteroids: 'Family Portrait: The King And His Court' By Jordi Delpeix Borrell

Jordi Delpeix Borrell Report

#88

Robotic Scope: 'The Carina Nebula' By Petar Babić

Robotic Scope: 'The Carina Nebula' By Petar Babić

Petar Babić Report

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#89

Skyscapes: 'Road To The Stars' By Rafael Schmall

Skyscapes: 'Road To The Stars' By Rafael Schmall

Rafael Schmall Report

#90

Aurorae Highly Commended: 'The Return Of Green Lady' By Ruslan Merzlyakov

Aurorae Highly Commended: 'The Return Of Green Lady' By Ruslan Merzlyakov

There’s a lovely tranquil feeling in this photograph. The subtle colours of the aurora contrasted by the storm clouds and the boat brings this beautiful and unique view to life.

Rebecca Roth, Image Coordinator and Social Media Specialist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland, USA.

Ruslan Merzlyakov Report

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#91

Aurorae: 'Incoming Auroae' By Bernt Olsen

Aurorae: 'Incoming Auroae' By Bernt Olsen

Bernt Olsen Report

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#92

Stars And Nebulae: 'Kemble's Cascade' By Alson Wong

Stars And Nebulae: 'Kemble's Cascade' By Alson Wong

Alson Wong Report

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#93

Stars And Nebulae: 'Orion' By Raul Villaverde Fraile

Stars And Nebulae: 'Orion' By Raul Villaverde Fraile

Raul Villaverde Fraile Report

#94

Galaxies Winner: 'Shells Of Elliptical Galaxy Ngc 3923 In Hydra' By Rolf Wahl Olsen

Galaxies Winner: 'Shells Of Elliptical Galaxy Ngc 3923 In Hydra' By Rolf Wahl Olsen

The delicate onion-skin structure of this elliptical galaxy has been captured beautifully and tells the story of a galactic merger rippling through space. The colourful stars and other galaxies that accompany the main galaxy add to the mesmeric nature of this stunning image.

Mandy Bailey, Astronomy Secretary for the Royal Astronomy Society

Being used to images from space-based telescopes such as the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope or ground-based images such as those of the European Southern Observatory (ESO), I often get the jaw-drop effect seeing such detailed deep-sky images coming from much smaller telescopes. This is definitely one of those cases.

Oana Sandu, Community Coordinator for the European Southern Observatory.

Rolf Wahl Olsen Report

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#95

Galaxies: 'Milky Way Centre' By Péter Feltóti

Galaxies: 'Milky Way Centre' By Péter Feltóti

Péter Feltóti Report

#96

Galaxies: 'A Pair Of Universes' By Antonio Peña

Galaxies: 'A Pair Of Universes' By Antonio Peña

Antonio Peña Report

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#97

People And Space: 'The Last Of Us 2.0' By David Ros Garcia

People And Space: 'The Last Of Us 2.0' By David Ros Garcia

David Ros Garcia Report

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#98

Planets, Comets And Asteroids: 'Noontime Venus' By Martin Lewis

Planets, Comets And Asteroids: 'Noontime Venus' By Martin Lewis

Martin Lewis Report

#99

Robotic Scope: 'The Horsehead And Flame Nebula' By Connor Matherne

Robotic Scope: 'The Horsehead And Flame Nebula' By Connor Matherne

Connor Matherne Report

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#100

Robotic Scope: 'The Dragons Of Ara' By Tian Lee

Robotic Scope: 'The Dragons Of Ara' By Tian Lee

Tian Lee Report

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#101

Robotic Scope: 'Ldn 1622 - The Boogeyman Nebula' By Casey Good

Robotic Scope: 'Ldn 1622 - The Boogeyman Nebula' By Casey Good

Casey Good Report

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#102

Skyscapes: 'Alstrom Point' By Carlos F. Turienzo

Skyscapes: 'Alstrom Point' By Carlos F. Turienzo

Carlos F. Turienzo Report

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#103

Skyscapes: 'The Remnants' By Marcin Zajac

Skyscapes: 'The Remnants' By Marcin Zajac

Marcin Zajac Report

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#104

Skyscapes: 'Grand Finale' By Gordon Mackie

Skyscapes: 'Grand Finale' By Gordon Mackie

Gordon Mackie Report

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#105

Skyscapes: 'Galactic Coast' By Luke Moseley

Skyscapes: 'Galactic Coast' By Luke Moseley

Luke Moseley Report

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#106

Skyscapes: 'View Point' By Nicolai Brügger

Skyscapes: 'View Point' By Nicolai Brügger

Nicolai Brügger Report

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#107

Our Moon: 'Lapislazuli Details Of The Moon 2/3' By Ralf Burkart

Our Moon: 'Lapislazuli Details Of The Moon 2/3' By Ralf Burkart

Ralf Burkart Report

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rl_2 avatar
R L
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks like puzzle pieces that you need to rearrange.

#108

Aurorae: 'Reflections Of Aurorae And Meteors' By Angel Yu

Aurorae: 'Reflections Of Aurorae And Meteors' By Angel Yu

Angel Yu Report

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#109

Our Sun: 'Hubble Crosses The Disc Of The Sun' By Michael Marston

Our Sun: 'Hubble Crosses The Disc Of The Sun' By Michael Marston

Michael Marston Report

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#110

People And Space Highly Commended: 'Cosmic Plughole' By James Stone

People And Space Highly Commended: 'Cosmic Plughole' By James Stone

This is a portrait of patience, a skill every astrophotographer must hone to succeed. The stellar swirl has a tunnel-like character and the absence of a southern celestial polar star leaves us with an ambiguous ending. It seems to fade out into infinity.

Tom Kerss, astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich

James Stone Report

#111

People And Space: 'The Plough And City Light' By Ziyi Ye

People And Space: 'The Plough And City Light' By Ziyi Ye

Ziyi Ye Report

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#112

Planets, Comets And Asteroids: 'Colourful Encounter' By Gerald Rhemann

Planets, Comets And Asteroids: 'Colourful Encounter' By Gerald Rhemann

Gerald Rhemann Report

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#113

Robotic Scope: 'Find The Stellar Jet' By László Francsics

Robotic Scope: 'Find The Stellar Jet' By László Francsics

László Francsics Report

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#114

Robotic Scope: 'Carina Homunculus' By Kfir Simon

Robotic Scope: 'Carina Homunculus' By Kfir Simon

Kfir Simon Report

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#115

Robotic Scope: 'Mars After The Global Dust Storm' By Dzmitry Kananovich

Robotic Scope: 'Mars After The Global Dust Storm' By Dzmitry Kananovich

Dzmitry Kananovich Report

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#116

Skyscapes: 'Sharafkhaneh Port And Lake Urmia' By Masoud Ghadiri

Skyscapes: 'Sharafkhaneh Port And Lake Urmia' By Masoud Ghadiri

Masoud Ghadiri Report

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#117

Young Winner: 'Stellar Flower' By Davy Van Der Hoeven

Young Winner: 'Stellar Flower' By Davy Van Der Hoeven

This shot was my favourite in the category. The quality and detail of the final image are simply stunning considering the limited experience photographers in this category have. If 11-year-olds are so interested in space, and are willing to put in the time and effort to produce such images, I can only be optimistic, not just about the astronomy of the future, but science and technology in general. Well done!”

Oana Sandu, Community Coordinator and Communication Strategy Officer at the European Southern Observatory (ESO) 

It’s easy to over-brighten nebulae images without intending to. The photographer here has kept the whole field of view gentle and the contrast is perfect. The astute decision to use the Hubble palette really sets this image apart.

Steve Marsh, Art Editor for BBC Sky at Night Magazine

Davy van der Hoeven Report

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#118

Young Highly Commended: 'Van Eyck's Moon' By Casper Kentish

Young Highly Commended: 'Van Eyck's Moon' By Casper Kentish

What a delightful idea to take inspiration from astronomical images in classic art and hunt them down in reality. The fogging up of the eyepiece was great serendipity as it gives a quality to the image as if van Eyck himself had updated the original.

Jon Culshaw, comedian, impersonator and regular guest on The Sky at Night

Casper Kentish Report

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#119

Young: 'The Cygnus Wall' By Joseph Stafford

Young: 'The Cygnus Wall' By Joseph Stafford

Joseph Stafford Report

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#120

Our Moon: 'Clavius' By Maximilian Teodorescu

Our Moon: 'Clavius' By Maximilian Teodorescu

Maximilian Teodorescu Report

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#121

Our Moon: 'Coming In To Land At Mare Crisium Spaceport!' By Bud Martin Budzynski

Our Moon: 'Coming In To Land At Mare Crisium Spaceport!' By Bud Martin Budzynski

Bud Martin Budzynski Report

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#122

Stars And Nebulae: 'Omega Centauri And Ifn' By Roberto Colombari

Stars And Nebulae: 'Omega Centauri And Ifn' By Roberto Colombari

Roberto Colombari Report

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#123

Stars And Nebulae: 'An Ocean Of Stars' By Thomas Henne

Stars And Nebulae: 'An Ocean Of Stars' By Thomas Henne

Thomas Henne Report

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#124

Galaxies: 'Messier 86 Group In Virgo' By Mark Hanson

Galaxies: 'Messier 86 Group In Virgo' By Mark Hanson

Mark Hanson Report

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#125

Galaxies: 'Ngc 5128/Centaurus A' By Björn Gludau, Torsten Daiber

Galaxies: 'Ngc 5128/Centaurus A' By Björn Gludau, Torsten Daiber

Björn Gludau, Torsten Daiber Report

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#126

Robotic Scope: 'Ngc 1365 - The Great Barred Spiral Galaxy' By Casey Good

Robotic Scope: 'Ngc 1365 - The Great Barred Spiral Galaxy' By Casey Good

Casey Good Report

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#127

Young: 'Our Moon' By Tom Mogford

Young: 'Our Moon' By Tom Mogford

Tom Mogford Report

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#128

Young: 'The South Way' By Alice Fock Hang

Young: 'The South Way' By Alice Fock Hang

Alice Fock Hang Report

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#129

Our Moon: 'Hyginus, Ariadaeus And Triesneker' By Maximilian Teodorescu

Our Moon: 'Hyginus, Ariadaeus And Triesneker' By Maximilian Teodorescu

Maximilian Teodorescu Report

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#130

Aurorae: 'A Flash Of Colour' By Matt Robinson

Aurorae: 'A Flash Of Colour' By Matt Robinson

Matt Robinson Report

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#131

Stars And Nebulae: 'Ic4603 - Colours Of Reflection' By Eddie Trimarchi

Stars And Nebulae: 'Ic4603 - Colours Of Reflection' By Eddie Trimarchi

Eddie Trimarchi Report

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#132

Stars And Nebulae: 'The Stellar Gull' By Raul Villaverde Fraile

Stars And Nebulae: 'The Stellar Gull' By Raul Villaverde Fraile

Raul Villaverde Fraile Report

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#133

Galaxies: 'Forgotten Beauty Messier 110 – Deep Study' By Maciej Kapkowski

Galaxies: 'Forgotten Beauty Messier 110 – Deep Study' By Maciej Kapkowski

Maciej Kapkowski Report

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#134

Our Sun: 'Painted Sun' By Łukasz Sujka

Our Sun: 'Painted Sun' By Łukasz Sujka

Łukasz Sujka Report

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#135

Planets, Comets And Asteroids: 'Occultation Of Star By Asteroid' By Derek Robson

Planets, Comets And Asteroids: 'Occultation Of Star By Asteroid' By Derek Robson

Derek Robson Report

#136

The Sir Patrick Moore Prize For Best Newcomer Joint: 'Rosette Nebula, Christmas Tree Cluster And Hydrogen Cloud Widefield' By Ross Clark

The Sir Patrick Moore Prize For Best Newcomer Joint: 'Rosette Nebula, Christmas Tree Cluster And Hydrogen Cloud Widefield' By Ross Clark

Ross Clark Report

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#137

Young Runner-Up: 'Ar12699 Sunspot' By Matúš Motlo

Young Runner-Up: 'Ar12699 Sunspot' By Matúš Motlo

Not for the faint-hearted, close-ups of our star are notoriously difficult to achieve, and this young photographer rivals the most seasoned sun chasers! This image shows a great concentration on details, texture and sharply defined sunspots.

Melanie Vandenbrouck, Curator of Art post-1800 at Royal Museums Greenwich

Matúš Motlo Report

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#138

Young: 'The Sun' By Victoria Williamson

Young: 'The Sun' By Victoria Williamson

Victoria Williamson Report

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#139

Stars And Nebulae: 'Alnitak, Alnilam, Mintaka' By Ferenc Szémár

Stars And Nebulae: 'Alnitak, Alnilam, Mintaka' By Ferenc Szémár

Ferenc Szémár Report

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