Moon rising behind Te Hoho Rock at Cathedral Cove, stunning twilight. New Zealand landscape.

Worldwide Astronomers Capture Mesmerizing Cosmic Events in ZWO Competition

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Written by Seth Sebastian

2026-07-06

Global participation in celestial photography

In a stunning display of cosmic photography, 769 photographers and astronomers from 66 countries submitted over 4,000 images to this year’s ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition. These breathtaking photographs showcase a broad spectrum of astronomical phenomena, from dazzling aurorae to the serene beauty of stars, planets, and the moon.

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Colorful nebula, Gum 37, viewed from El Sauce Observatory in Chile's night sky.
© Ani Shastry, “Gum 37: The Southern Tadpoles (or ‘Teapot Nebula’).” El Sauce Observatory, Río Hurtado, Chile

Space meets Earth in striking compositions

Photographers captured the intersection of space and the human environment with artistic precision. Some images highlight the contrast between celestial wonders and earthly landscapes, crafting composite visuals that immerse viewers in an interstellar narrative.

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Telescopic glimpses into distant realms

Other contributors turned their telescopes to the distant skies, seizing rare views of galaxies and nebulae far beyond our reach. These pieces of art offer a vivid window into the universe’s grandeur, portraying ethereal clouds of color and starlit expanses.

Bright comet C/2025 A6 Lemmon glowing above snowy Swiss Alps at night.
© Jakob Sahner, “Comet C/2025 A6 (Lemmon) Over the Swiss Alps.” Tujetsch, Graubünden, Switzerland

A celebration at London’s National Maritime Museum

Bright night sky with star trails, Xiamen, captured by young astronomer.
© 与晨 林 (aged 14), “Dancing Flames.” Xiamen, Fujian Province, China

The winners will be revealed on September 17, followed by a public exhibition at London’s National Maritime Museum. This exhibition is complemented by the book Astronomy Photographer of the Year, Collection 15, providing a comprehensive look at these stellar images.

Green aurora resembling an eagle spreads across Lofoten's northern sky.
© Jennifer Rogers, “Eagle Aurora.” Flakstad, Lofoten, Norway
Bright stars and gases illuminate Milky Way's core observed from Namibia.
© Jakob Sahner, “A Deep Look Into the Milky Way’s Core.” Koireb, Windhoek Rural, Namibia
Vibrant aurora borealis over waterfall, Goðafoss, Iceland in colorful night sky.
© Yifan Cao, “Colourful Aurora and Waterfall.” Goðafoss Waterfall, Þingeyjarsveit, Iceland
Supermoon rising above Paris, casting reflections during a picturesque sunset.
© Martin Giraud, “Supermoon Path Over Paris at Sunset.” Meudon, Île-de-France, France
Nebula NGC 7293 captured in Chile's clear night sky, known as the Helix Nebula.
© Humbert Cédric, “NGC 7293: The Helix Nebula.” Elqui Province, Coquimbo, Chile

Source: thisiscolossal.com

Frequently asked questions

How many countries submitted photos to the ZWO competition?

Photographers and astronomers from 66 countries submitted their images to this year’s ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition.

What is featured in the ZWO photography competition?

The competition features a broad spectrum of astronomical phenomena, including dazzling aurorae, stars, planets, and the moon.

Where will the public exhibition of winners be held?

The public exhibition of winners will be held at London’s National Maritime Museum.