“Great Nebula in Carina” by Terry Robison

Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2015

The hypergiant star Eta Carinae glows against the background of swirling clouds of dust and gases that form the Carina Nebula. The Carina Nebula is one of the largest diffuse nebulae — meaning that it has no well-defined boundaries — in our skies and is about four times as large as the famed Orion Nebula. Image credit: © Terry Robison / Royal Museums Greenwich.
The hypergiant star Eta Carinae glows against the background of swirling clouds of dust and gases that form the Carina Nebula. The Carina Nebula is one of the largest diffuse nebulae — meaning that it has no well-defined boundaries — in our skies and is about four times as large as the famed Orion Nebula. Image credit: © Terry Robison / Royal Museums Greenwich.
The Insight Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition is an annual celebration of the most beautiful and spectacular visions of the cosmos by astrophotographers worldwide. In 2015 the competition launched for its seventh year, with new categories and more prizes up for grabs. With over 2700 spectacular entries from over 60 countries, it’s been the toughest year yet for the judges.

Over the coming weeks we will feature, in no particular order, each of the final 16 selected images and winners will be announced by Royal Museums Greenwich on 17 September. The winning images are to be showcased at the Royal Observatory Greenwich in an exhibition opening 18 September.