UPDATE: The annual ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition has just revealed breathtaking cosmic imagery that captures the universe’s stunning beauty. From the vibrant trails of comets to cosmic phenomena like gravitational lensing, this year’s winners remind us of the incredible artistry found in astronomy.
Just announced, California photographer Dan Bartlett won the Planets, Comets, and Asteroids category with his striking image, “Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks Taking a Final Bow.” Captured in a rare 13-minute window of clear skies above June Lake, California, Bartlett’s photo showcases the comet’s interaction with solar winds, leaving a spectacular trail through our solar system.
The overall winner, “The Andromeda Core,” by Weitang Liang, Qi Yang, and Chuhong Yu, highlights the dynamic processes within the Andromeda Galaxy (M31). Their image, which also took the Galaxies category, emphasizes the galaxy’s H-alpha regions, revealing the intricate star formation happening in real-time. “This image is not just about capturing Andromeda’s beauty—it is about understanding its evolution,” the photographers stated.
In a notable entry, photographer Tom Williams captured the lunar occultation of Saturn in his runner-up photo, “Saturnrise.” This spectacular image was taken during an unusually high number of occultations in 2024 and shows Saturn’s rings appearing edge-on as the planet rises behind the Moon. “This view as Saturn appears to rise from behind the silhouetted limb of the Moon is particularly striking,” Williams noted.
Another innovative entry, “Fourth Dimension” by Leonardo Di Maggio, merges gravitational lensing data from the James Webb Space Telescope with images taken inside a meteorite. This striking composite bridges vast cosmic phenomena with the intricate details of meteorite structures. Judge Victoria Lane praised the image for its unique perspective, stating that it connects two typically hidden aspects of astronomy.
The competition also highlighted an incredible solar prominence eruption captured by PengFei Chou, which measured over 311,000 miles (500,000 kilometers) long. This third-place entry in the Our Sun category documented the eruption’s dramatic rise and peak brightness over a one-hour period on November 7, 2024. “I was fortunate to capture the entire process, showcasing the spectacular nature of solar phenomena,” Chou explained.
Additionally, the Deep Sky Collective earned runner-up honors in the Galaxies category with their image “Cosmic Coincidences – Deer Lick and Stephan’s Quintet on a Ribbon of H-alpha.” This dark aesthetic showcases the galaxy cluster in Pegasus and required over 600 hours of exposure to create a detailed map. The team’s significant effort highlights their dedication to amateur astrophotography.
The winning entry in the Skyscapes category, “The Ridge” by Tom Rae, presents a dazzling panorama of the Milky Way arching over the twin glacier rivers at Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand. Rae expressed his pride in this accomplishment, noting that the full-resolution image contains over one billion pixels from 62 images stitched together. “The airglow cradles the sky, contributing to a balanced composition,” commented judge Kerry-Ann Lecky Hepburn.
These stunning photographs not only celebrate the beauty of our universe but also inspire awe and curiosity among viewers. As the field of astronomy continues to evolve, these images provide a glimpse into the cosmic processes that shape our understanding of the universe.
What to watch for next: As the excitement builds for space exploration in 2024, including NASA’s Artemis mission, these captivating images serve as a reminder of the wonders awaiting us beyond our world. Share your favorite cosmic photographs with friends and family to spread the excitement of the universe’s beauty!
