This year’s Insight Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition received a record 2700 entries by astrophotographers from 59 countries around the world. These astonishing pictures reveal fresh perspectives on astrophotography favourites alongside some of the great astronomical events of the last year.
In subsequent weeks we will showcase the winning images from all 11 categories, but if you wish to see them all together, the Royal Observatory Greenwich has an exhibition open 18 September 2015 — 26 June 2016. Hours: 10.00–17.00, entry is free.
Softly glowing emission nebulae like SH 2-305 serve as spectacular stellar nurseries where hydrogen gas serves as the raw material for starbirth on a grand scale.
The European Southern Observatory’s Cosmic Gems programme generates a steady stream of spectacular images, including this view of Gum 26, an emission nebula in Vela where new stars are being born.
One of best deep-sky objects of the approaching season is the Andromeda Galaxy, or Messier 31, that is now accessible low in the east-northeast by 10pm local time in the UK and Western Europe. Here’s our comprehensive guide to locating this iconic Local Group galaxy.
