Ever since I was a young child, I loved getting lost in photographs of outer space. Even now, as an adult, I could stare at them for hours on end. It’s really exciting to think about the “what if there is life over there” as I look at these pictures. I was not aware but there is a photography content that is in its fourth year called “Astronomy Photographer of The Year Competition”. The competition is sponsored each year by the Royal Observatory Greenwich.
The astronomy photographer competition is open to everybody and split in two categories, those who are 16 years of age or older and those who are under the age of 16. The competition continues to grow each year and 800 entrants submitted their space photography this year. The winners were announced in four different categories – deep Space, Earth and Space, Our Solar System, and Young Astronomy Photographer of the Year. Three special wards were also awarded under People and Space, Best Newcomer, and Robotic Scope Image of the Year.
The overall winner of the contest and the winner of the ‘Deep Space’ category was awarded to Martin Pugh (pictured above). His photograph captures the Whirlpool Galaxy, which shows two galaxies colliding. Martin Pugh also happens to be the winner of the 2009 competition.
Winner: Earth and Space Category – Star Icefall by Masahiro Miyasaka
Winner: Our Solar System – Transit of Venus by Chris Warren
Winner: Young Astronomy Photographer of the Year – Jacob von Chorus
The remaining photographs below are runner ups and highly commended. These images can be seen in person at the Royal Observatory until February of 2013.
