29 Stunning Space Photos Revealed By Astronomy Photographer Of The Year

The 2026 shortlist for Astronomy Photographer of the Year has just been unveiled, featuring 29 breathtaking images of eclipses, nebulae, aurorae, and the Milky Way. This annual competition, run by the Royal Observatory Greenwich, showcases the finest amateur and professional astrophotography from around the globe, with the winners set to be announced in September 2026. The shortlist reveals a surge in high-resolution captures of rare celestial events, including a total solar eclipse over Antarctica and a deep-field nebula mosaic, reflecting advances in consumer camera technology and post-processing techniques. Notable entries include a time-lapse composite of the Perseid meteor shower above Scotland's Isle of Skye, a detailed portrait of the Veil Nebula from Namibia, and a auroral corona over Norway. Judges praised the diversity of techniques—from smartphone astrophotography to specialized telescopes—and the growing number of submissions from Asia and South America. Analysis suggests this competition has become a key barometer for public engagement with space science, with social media reach exceeding 50 million impressions in previous years. Looking ahead, the winner will be revealed at a ceremony at the National Maritime Museum, with an exhibition touring major science museums worldwide.