Looking up at the night sky can make our everyday problems feel very small. But through the lenses of talented astrophotographers, the universe becomes even more extraordinary, revealing colors, patterns, and details that our eyes alone could never hope to see. That sense of wonder is at the heart of ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year, the annual competition run by Royal Observatory Greenwich, supported by ZWO and held in association with BBC Sky at Night Magazine.
Now in its 18th year, the contest welcomes photographers of all skill levels from around the world, with entries spanning everything from aurorae and galaxies to the Sun, Moon, planets, nebulae, and night skies shaped by the human landscape. Bored Panda readers may remember that we also featured the competition's spectacular 2025 shortlist. This year, almost 4,000 images were submitted by 769 entrants, representing 66 countries. From those thousands of submissions, 140 photographs have made the full shortlist. The competition brings together an expert judging panel drawn from different disciplines in art and astronomy, with photographs considered for their technical skill, artistic merit, and originality. Alongside eight adult categories, the competition also includes the ZWO Young Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition and two special prizes: the Sir Patrick Moore Prize for Best Newcomer and the Annie Maunder Open Category.
Scroll down to see a selection from this year’s shortlisted images, and don't forget to upvote those that leave you most ‘starstruck.’
