Nearly 4,000 images from 769 photographers made the field for the 18th Astronomy Photographer of the Year, with finalists ranging from a full moon arc over Paris to falling stars over China.
Greg Brown, a Royal Observatory astronomer and judge, said the shortlist blends technical skill with art, citing Tom Williams’ composite “Mars in 2025” and Rafael Schmall’s sun image “The Savannah Tree.”
Nine category winners, two special-prize recipients and one overall champion will be chosen, with the top award worth 10,000 pounds and each category prize set at 1,500 pounds.
September 17 will bring the winners’ announcement, after which the images will go on display at London’s National Maritime Museum alongside other shortlisted works.