Astronomy Photographer of the Year judges explain how to get involved in astrophotography

This spectacular six-panel mosaic picture of a solar prominence was taken in Italy by astrophotographer Paolo  Porcellana on 27 March 2015 using a home-made 150mm f/15 refractor — winning image of the Our Sun category in the Insight Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition 2015.

David Tolliday’s stunning image of the Orion and Running Man Nebulae was captured on his first night’s attempt at astrophotography — winning image of The Sir Patrick Moore Prize for Best Newcomer category in the Insight Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition 2015.

This image was captured from Sunset Peak, Lantau Island, Hong Kong by astrophotographer Chap Him Wong. Above the peak covered with gold and silver grass, the tantalising sky reveals star trails and the Milky Way beyond — winning image of the People & Space category in the Insight Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition 2015.