Cosmic Wonders Abound in the ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year Contest

The cosmos, with its breathtaking displays from the aurora borealis to the vast sea of stars, never fails to spark awe and fascination. Gazing into the infinite abyss of the universe, filled with a staggering trillion trillion stars—known scientifically as a septillion—can evoke a sense of wonder that often transcends understanding. The enigmatic essence of the universe might always elude our grasp, but the art of photography provides a window into its magnificent beauty.

This year, the prestigious ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition attracted a remarkable total of 5,800 entries from astrophotographers across more than 60 nations. The coveted top award was bestowed upon Weitang Liang, Qi Yang, and Chuhong Yu for their stunning photograph titled “The Andromeda Core,” taken with a specialized focal-length telescope at the AstroCamp Observatory in Nerpio, Spain. This extraordinary image unpacks the complex structure at the core of the Andromeda Galaxy (M31), presenting an intricate tapestry of stars surrounding the central region.

This year’s competition featured numerous categories including Skyscapes, Our Sun, Our Moon, and Stars and Nebulae. Among the winners, Kavan Chay’s captivating photo “Crown of Light,” captured at Tumbledown Bay in New Zealand, took home the top honors in the Aurore category. Additionally, Luis Vilariño earned recognition with a remarkable runner-up image displaying a vibrant green aurora illuminating the sky over a surreal Icelandic landscape.

To witness these breathtaking works, visit the winners’ gallery on the Royal Museums Greenwich website, or explore an inspiring collection of over 100 photographers’ works presented in beautiful light box installations at the National Maritime Museum. The ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year 17 exhibition runs through August 2026.