While there are only a limited number of subjects that can be photographed on Earth, the universe is essentially infinite, and so is its beauty. This year’s winners of the Astrophotography Award, a relatively new international competition celebrating this art, have been announced.
Now in its second year, AstroPrize has attracted hundreds of entries from around the world. Entries will be divided into four main categories: deep space, solar system, astronomical landscapes, and remote imaging, with an overall winner for astrophotographer of the year also awarded.
This year that honor went to Australian photographer Phil Hart for his stunning images of the solar corona during a solar eclipse in Exmouth, Western Australia, last year. This shot captures a stream of charged particles emitted by the sun, which are normally invisible to the eye because they are washed out by the sun’s own brightness. They only become visible for a short time during a solar eclipse.
phil hart
“This looks to me like a sunflower in the Exmouth sky,” Ms Hart said in a statement. “Delicate streamers of the solar corona swirl on top of swirling ridges.”
Applicants will be judged on a unique basis. First, three professional astrophotographers give each image a score out of 100. The top 25 images in each category will then advance to a special second round where five astrophotographers will award points on a YouTube livestream to ensure transparency. From these, one winner and two runners-up in each category, as well as the overall winner, will be awarded.
“This year’s contest featured some of the most impressive astronomical photography we have ever seen,” said Dr. Tanya Hill, one of the judges. “Phil Hart’s images were a masterclass in skill, creativity and dedication, showing faint lunar details alongside the petal-like streams of the solar corona.”
Gerald Lehmann
Among other highlights is a dramatic shot of Comet C/2021A1 Leonard. This image, taken by Gerard Lehmann from Namibia, captures one of the most impressive comets in recent years, just months before it disintegrated.
Check out the contest website to see the rest of the winners and runners-up in the gallery, and to see the full list of prestigious awards.
Source: Astrophotography Award
