Astrophotography competition draws massive global participation

The Royal Observatory Greenwich, a significant institution in the U.K. dedicated to astronomy, recently announced the shortlist for its prestigious ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2025 competition. This event showcased a stunning collection of celestial images, with over 5,500 entries from 69 countries collected during the competition's submission phase. Participants submitted photographs capturing a variety of phenomena, including the breathtaking displays of auroras, the striking Milky Way, total solar eclipses, and spectacular images of the moon across various landscapes. Among the highlights was an image of the Dragon Tree taken by Benjamin Barakat in Yemen's Dragon Blood Tree forest in March 2024. Another notable photograph captured the vibrant Northern Lights over Mono Lake, California, taken on October 10, 2024, during one of the year's strongest aurora displays. In addition, the shortlist included multiple remarkable images of the moon, such as a full moon rising over the Dolomites, which reflected the perfect timing of sunset lighting. The competition has been recognized as one of the most prestigious in astrophotography, being supported by ZWO, and aims to honor the art of sharing the universe through photography. The winning images will be showcased at the National Maritime Museum starting September 12, 2025. This event serves not only as a tribute to the photographers but also as an inspiration for enthusiasts and nature lovers, encouraging them to explore and document the beauty of the night sky. The Royal Observatory Greenwich plays a pivotal role in the history of astronomy and navigation, having been established in 1675 to support European exploration and maritime trade. As it celebrates its 350th anniversary, the observatory continues to be central to the field of astronomy and remains committed to engaging the public in a shared appreciation of the cosmos.