Royal Observatory Greenwich Names 29 Finalists for Astronomy Photo Contest

Royal Observatory Greenwich Announces 29 Finalists

The competition, which features entries ranging from auroras and galaxies to detailed lunar landscapes, is recognized as a blend of technical innovation and artistic expression. According to Greg Brown, an astronomer at the Royal Observatory and a competition judge, the event serves as an art competition as much as a scientific one. Brown noted that the beauty of the images can be appreciated by viewers regardless of their specific technical understanding of the subjects.

Diverse Entries and Technical Challenges

The shortlisted submissions highlight the significant effort, patience, and technical skill required for modern astrophotography. Photographers have documented celestial events by hauling specialized equipment to remote locations, including volcanic plateaus, freezing British beaches, and the Swiss Alps. Many of the images are the result of extensive efforts, with some photographers stacking data from hours, nights, or even up to half a year of exposure time.

Among the notable finalists is Tom Williams, whose composite image titled “Mars in 2025” tracks multiple views of the planet throughout a single year. Another finalist, Rafael Schmall of Hungary, submitted an image titled The Savannah Tree, which captures a solar prominence—a dense plasma cloud—erupting from the surface of the sun in the shape of an acacia tree. Brown described Schmall’s work as a striking image that provides the viewer with a sense of the movement and active nature of the sun.

Other entries showcase a global range of perspectives. French photographer Martin Giraud recorded the path of a full moon over the Paris skyline, while other photographers captured falling stars in China and the northern lights pulsing in the shape of an eagle over an icy bay.

Competition Structure and Judging

The competition features nine distinct categories, in addition to two special prizes and one grand overall winner. A panel of art and astronomy experts is responsible for evaluating the entries. According to Brown, the judging process typically involves a clear consensus, as standout images often possess unique qualities that make them immediately apparent to the panel.

The prize pool for the 18th edition is substantial: * Overall Winner: 10,000 pounds (approximately $13,300) * Category Winners: 1,500 pounds (approximately $2,000) * Runners-up and Highly Commended: Smaller monetary prizes

Exhibition and Announcement

The final results of the competition are scheduled to be announced on September 17, 2026. Following the announcement, the winning images, alongside a selection of other short-listed entries, will be featured in a public exhibition at the National Maritime Museum in London.

The competition is supported by ZWO, a photography equipment manufacturer. Sam Wen, the founder and CEO of ZWO, stated that the organization is honored to support a contest that celebrates those who turn their eyes toward the night sky to share its beauty with the world.

For those interested in the competition’s ongoing developments, the Royal Observatory Greenwich continues to highlight the role of the contest in helping individuals discover the “quiet beauty” of observing the cosmos. The event remains a significant platform for both amateur and professional astrophotographers to display their work to an international audience.