Insight Investment Astronomy Photographer of the Year contest is in its eleventh edition, and this highly competitive contest highlights the best astrophotography from around the world. This year, the competition received over 4,600 entries – which has set a new record in itself from 90 different countries. Apparently, the competition includes eleven different categories of astrophotography.
Out of thousands of gripping photographs of space, Hungarian photographer László Francsics was announced the Astronomy Photographer of the Year for his innovative perspective of the lunar eclipse. Francsics artistically stacked photos of 35 phases of the total eclipse, which moves from red to black and then finally to white.
His photo that captured such a dynamic and captivating view of the moon not only won him a cash prize of £10,000 but a central place as well in the exhibition of winning photographs which will be on display in National Maritime Museum until April 26, 2020.
Take a look at these award-winning mesmerizing photographs from various categories of the contest.
Our Moon category and overall winner
This artistically pleasing image brilliantly depicts the beautiful colors of the atmosphere onto the Moon’s disc during the eclipse.
‘Into the Shadows’ by László Francsics
Aurorae category
Stunning aurora borealis illuminating the sky compliments the spell-bounding view put up by the human presence on the landscape below.
‘The Watcher’ by Nicolai Brügger
Stars and Nebulae category
The exquisite, colorful palette of dust and gas clouds paints a beautiful picture in the deep space.
‘Statue of Liberty Nebula’ by Ignacio Diaz Bobillo
Galaxies category
The bright and detailed deep -sky photograph looks absolutely stunning with its artistic and hypnotic charm.
‘Shells of Elliptical Galaxy NGC 3923 in Hydra’ by Rolf Wahl Olsen
People and Space category
Through this picture, the photographer depicts his deep love for two things that he is most passionate about – the cosmos and animals.
‘Ben, Floyd & the Core’ by Ben Bush
Robotic Space category
This colorful, creative and abstract photograph gives a spectacular view of Saturn.
‘Infrared Saturn’ by László Francsics
Skyscapes category
The twisted poplar trees look like peculiar creatures on an uninhabited desert under the beautifully lit sky.
‘Across the Sky of History’ by Wang Zheng
Young category
Aptly named ‘Stellar flower’, this beautiful photograph of magnificent Rosette Nebula by a young astrophotographer is one eye-candy.
‘Stellar Flower’ by Davy van der Hoeven
The Sir Patrick Moore prize for Best Newcomer (joint winner)
This picture of Orion constellation seems like a strip of gems and jewels embedded in the far galaxy.
‘The Jewel of Orion’ by Ross Clark
Planets, Comets and Asteroids category
This photograph depicts a sequence of images – a global dust storm across Mars and loss of Opportunity rover.
‘Death of Opportunity’ by Andy Casely
Our Sun category
Rarely captured photo of the sun’s surface, as if studied under a microscope, looks like erupting fireworks.
‘A Little Fireworks’ by Alan Friedman
Sir Patrick Moore prize for Best Newcomer (joint winner)
The dunes of sand bathing in the silver glow of the moon, dramatic shadows and the union with the sky – every element of this photograph gives joy to the beholder.
‘Sky and Ground, Stars and Sand’ by Shuchang Dong