Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2026 Winners Announced

The Royal Observatory Greenwich, in partnership with Celestron, announced the winners of the prestigious 2026 ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition on September 17, 2026. This year's contest showcased an extraordinary array of celestial and terrestrial night sky photography, with standout images capturing the beauty of nebulae, the dynamism of auroras, and the delicate features of planets.

Among the top accolades was the 'Deep Space' category winner, an image of the Orion Nebula captured by photographer Sebastian Voltmer. The photograph, taken using a 30cm reflector telescope, highlights the intricate details and vibrant colors within the stellar nursery, a region of intense star formation. Voltmer's work was praised for its clarity and artistic composition, offering a fresh perspective on a familiar astronomical marvel.

Galactic Phenomena and Terrestrial Spectacles

The competition, which draws thousands of entries from around the globe, also celebrated remarkable achievements in other categories. The 'Aurorae' winner, a breathtaking shot titled 'Aurora Australis' by Paul D. Bart, depicted the southern lights dancing over a snow-covered landscape in Antarctica. This image powerfully conveyed the ethereal beauty of polar lights and their interaction with Earth's atmosphere.

Another notable winner was the 'Planets, Comets and Asteroids' category recipient, who submitted a dazzling image of Jupiter, showcasing the Great Red Spot and intricate cloud bands with unprecedented detail. This photograph, captured by Damian Peach, a veteran astrophotographer, underscores the advancements in both telescope technology and photographic techniques available to enthusiasts today.

The 'Young Astronomy Photographer of the Year' award went to 14-year-old Alice Smith for her captivating image of the Moon's terminator – the line between lunar day and night – highlighting crater details. The judges commended her exceptional skill and passion at such a young age, recognizing her as a rising talent in the field.

The ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition has been running for over a decade, aiming to inspire people of all ages to engage with astronomy and the night sky. Its continued success reflects a growing public fascination with space and a desire to document its wonders. This year's Astronomy Photographer of the Year contest saw a significant increase in entries, with over 5,000 submissions across its various categories, reflecting the global appeal and growing popularity of astrophotography.

The winning and shortlisted images will be exhibited at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, London, starting October 1, 2026. The exhibition provides a public platform to marvel at the universe's grandeur as seen through the lens of talented photographers, offering insights into both distant galaxies and the atmospheric phenomena occurring closer to home. This annual event serves as a vital reminder of the vastness of the cosmos and humanity's ongoing quest to understand its place within it.