The ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition showcases the awe-inspiring beauty of the cosmos through the lenses of talented astrophotographers from around the world. This year’s competition attracted over 5,800 entries from more than 60 countries, each capturing the enchanting mysteries of the universe.
The overall winner of the competition is the team of Weitang Liang, Qi Yang, and Chuhong Yu for their mesmerizing image titled “The Andromeda Core.” This stunning photograph, taken at the AstroCamp Observatory in Nerpio, Spain, captures the intricate details of the core of the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) and the myriad of stars surrounding it.
In addition to the overall winner, photographers also submitted entries in various categories such as Skyscapes, Our Sun, Our Moon, and Stars and Nebulae. Notable entries include Kavan Chay’s “Crown of Light” capturing the beauty of the aurora in New Zealand, and Luis Vilariño’s image showcasing a vibrant green aurora curtain in Iceland.
The Royal Museums Greenwich website features a gallery of the winning photographs, allowing viewers to marvel at the breathtaking images captured by these talented photographers. The ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year 17 exhibition is currently on display at the National Maritime Museum through August 2026.
From solar prominences to comet sightings to distant galaxies, each photograph in the competition tells a unique story of the vast and wondrous universe we live in. Whether it’s the delicate threads of the Spaghetti Nebula or the refractive light from the moon in a dusky sky, these images invite us to ponder the mysteries of the cosmos and appreciate the beauty that surrounds us.
As you explore the captivating images from this year’s competition, consider becoming a Colossal Member to support independent arts publishing and gain access to exclusive benefits such as ad-free browsing, saving favorite articles, discounts in the Colossal Shop, members-only newsletter, and contributing to art supplies for K-12 classrooms. Join us in celebrating the artistry and wonder of the universe through the lens of astrophotography.
