“Orion DT” by David Tolliday

Sir Patrick Moore Prize for Best Newcomer: Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2015

27 September 2015 Astronomy Now

Given the right equipment and the necessary skill you too can capture a stunning view of the Orion and Running Man Nebulae on your first night of astrophotography! This beautiful image was taken from Elan Valley, Powys, mid-Wales, UK by astrophotographer David Tolliday using a Canon EOS 5D Mark III camera, Astrotrac mount, 500mm f/4 lens, ISO 800, 18- 44- and 117-second exposures. Image credit: © David Tolliday.
Given the right equipment and the necessary skill you too can capture a stunning view of the Orion and Running Man Nebulae on your first night of astrophotography! This beautiful image was taken from Elan Valley, Powys, mid-Wales, UK on 25 November 2014 by astrophotographer David Tolliday using a Canon EOS 5D Mark III camera, Astrotrac mount, 500mm f/4 lens, ISO 800, 18- 44- and 117-second exposures. Image credit: © David Tolliday.
In the words of the astrophotographer: “This image of the Orion and the Running Man Nebulae was taken on my first night of astrophotography at the dark-sky location in Elan Valley, mid-Wales. I usually take wildlife photographs so borrowed an Astrotrac mount. The temperature was -2°C, there was ice on the tripod, and my camera bag was white with frost. I photographed red kites during the day and the sky at night. This was one of my most enjoyable photography days ever.”

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.

We will showcase the winning images from all 11 categories over the next few days, but if you wish to see them all together on display, the Royal Observatory Greenwich has an exhibition open 18 September 2015 — 26 June 2016. Hours: 10.00–17.00, entry is free.

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