The Royal Observatory Greenwich has recently announced the winners of the highly anticipated Astronomy Photographer of the Year 15, during a glamorous award ceremony held on September 14. This prestigious contest celebrates the best astronomical photography from around the world, showcasing the incredible wonder of the universe captured through the lens.
This year’s top honor, the coveted Astronomy Photographer of the Year award, went to a collaborative team consisting of Marcel Drechsler, Xavier Strottner, and Yann Sainty, hailing from Germany and France. Their breathtaking photograph of the Andromeda galaxy stood out in the Galaxies category, mesmerizing the judges with its ethereal beauty and intricate details.
Monika Deviat, an immensely talented photographer from Canada, seized the award for the best aurora photograph. Her image titled “Brushstroke” captured the enchanting dance of lights in the night sky with unparalleled brilliance, making it a well-deserved victory.
Ethan Chappel, representing the United States, achieved a remarkable feat by capturing the rare alignment of Mars and the moon in his winning photo titled “Mars-Set” in the Our Moon category. This celestial spectacle served as a testament to Chappel’s skill and keen eye for capturing unique astronomical phenomena.
In the Our Sun category, Eduardo Schaberger Poupeau emerged as the winner with his photo titled “A Sun Question.” Poupeau’s image showcased a question mark-shaped solar filament rising from the sun’s surface, leaving viewers in awe of the sun’s mesmerizing and enigmatic qualities.
The People & Space category was triumphed by Vikas Chander’s incredible photo titled “Zeila.” This captivating image depicted a stranded boat on Namibia’s Skeleton Coast, while stars streaked overhead, creating a truly dramatic and atmospheric scene.
Tom Williams secured a victory in the Planets, Comets & Asteroids category with his standout photo titled “Suspended in a Sunbeam,” which portrayed Venus in a mesmerizing false color image. Williams’s skill in capturing the planet’s mystique was undoubtedly exceptional.
Angel An’s remarkable photo, titled “Grand Cosmic Fireworks,” outshined the competition in the Skyscapes category. An’s masterpiece showcased the rare atmospheric phenomenon known as sprites, leaving viewers spellbound by the sheer beauty and rarity of the spectacle.
Marcel Drechsler, along with a team of talented amateur astronomers, clinched victory in the Stars & Nebulas category. Their stunning photograph depicted a shining star nestled within a gaseous nebula, showcasing the universe’s mystifying wonders.
Recognizing emerging talent, the contest also awarded Aaron Wilhelm with the title of Best Newcomer. Wilhelm’s vibrant photo titled “Blinded by the Light” captured the Sh2-132 complex near the Cepheus and Lacerta constellations, leaving the judges impressed with his skill and potential.
The Young Astronomy Photographers of the Year award was bestowed upon Runwei Xu and Binyu Wang for their mesmerizing photo titled “The Running Chicken Nebula,” captured using a Newtonian telescope. Their impressive achievement highlighted their passion for astronomy and impeccable photography skills.
John White’s stunning photograph titled “Black Echo” won the prestigious Annie Maunder Prize for Image Innovation category. White’s unique capture featured the vibrations of water in a petri dish, using audio of a supermassive black hole, providing viewers with a truly innovative and thought-provoking work of art.
All winning photographs are currently being showcased in an exquisite exhibit at the renowned National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, London. This exhibit offers visitors a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of the universe through the lens of these talented photographers.
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