19 April 2025

“Thor’s Helmet” by Adam Block

Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2015

1 August 2015 Astronomy Now

The distinctive shape of the nebula NGC 2359 has led to it also being known as Thor’s Helmet, resembling the headgear of the Norse God (and Marvel superhero). Around 11 thousand light-years away, the overall bubble shape is mainly due to interstellar material swept up by the winds of the nebula’s central Wolf-Rayet star, an extremely hot giant thought to be in a pre-supernova stage. Image credit: © Adam Block / Royal Museums&nsp;Greenwich. — The distinctive shape of the nebula NGC 2359 has led to it also being known as Thor’s Helmet, resembling the headgear of the Norse God (and Marvel superhero). Around 11 thousand light-years away, the overall bubble shape is mainly due to interstellar material swept up by the winds of the nebula’s central Wolf-Rayet star, an extremely hot giant thought to be in a pre-supernova stage. Image credit: © Adam Block / 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.