The ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition showcases the world's most stunning space photos, capturing the beauty of the night sky, aurorae, solar eclipses, and more. This year's shortlist includes breathtaking images from around the globe, highlighting the rise of astrotourism and the skill of amateur and professional astrophotographers. The competition, now in its 18th year, attracted nearly 4,000 entries from 66 countries, with the overall winner receiving $13,200 and category winners $2,000. The shortlisted images demonstrate the importance of timing, location, and travel in astrophotography, with photographers capturing precise alignments and fleeting celestial events. The competition's categories include Skyscapes, Aurorae, People and Space, Our Sun, Our Moon, Planets, Comets and Asteroids, Stars and Nebulae, Galaxies, and ZWO Young Astronomy Photographer of the Year. The winners will be announced on September 17, 2026, and the winning photographs will go on display at the National Maritime Museum in London from September 18, 2026. The competition is run by Royal Observatory Greenwich, supported by ZWO and in association with BBC Sky at Night magazine. The exhibition aims to inspire curiosity, nurture learning, and bring people together through a shared sense of wonder, showcasing the beauty and mystery of the cosmos.
