See stunning images in this year’s Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition - CNN

What the report says

CNN reported that the Royal Observatory Greenwich has released the shortlist for the 18th annual Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition, with winners due to be announced on September 17. The contest drew nearly 4,000 entries from 769 photographers across 66 countries, featuring images of auroras, galaxies, lunar landscapes and other celestial subjects.

Among the highlighted finalists are photographs showing the full moon over a pink Paris skyline and meteors streaking across the night sky in China. CNN also cited entries such as Tom Williams’ composite image “Mars in 2025,” which presents multiple views of the planet over a year, and Rafael Schmall’s “The Savannah Tree,” taken from Hungary, showing a solar prominence shaped like an acacia tree.

Greg Brown, an astronomer at the Royal Observatory and one of the judges, described the competition as combining technical skill, scientific interest and visual art. He told CNN that some images stand out not only for what they show astronomically, but also for their color, composition and sense of movement.

Judges will select winners in nine categories, two special prize recipients and one overall winner. CNN reported that the top prize is 10,000 pounds, roughly $13,300, while category winners will receive 1,500 pounds, about $2,000, with smaller awards for runners-up and highly commended entries. The winning photographs will be exhibited at London’s National Maritime Museum with other shortlisted works.