The 31 Out-of-this-World Winners of Astronomy Photographer of the Year
The 2026 Astrophotography Prize has showcased winning images featuring nebulae, auroras, and interstellar dust. The competition received nearly 500 entries from photographers representing 22 countries. These works highlight the technical precision and patience required to capture celestial phenomena. While the broader Astronomy Photographer of the Year winners were previously announced, this specific prize emphasizes a diverse global participation pool and a wide range of cosmic subjects, from the Milky Way to distant deep-space structures.
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- ✓ The 2026 Astrophotography Prize has showcased winning images featuring nebulae, auroras, and interstellar dust.
- ✓ The competition received nearly 500 entries from photographers representing 22 countries.
- ✓ These works highlight the technical precision and patience required to capture celestial phenomena.
What changed
The 2026 Astrophotography Prize reported receiving nearly 500 entries from 22 countries.
Live updates
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2026 Astrophotography Prize Draws International Entries
The 2026 Astrophotography Prize has showcased winning images featuring nebulae, auroras, and interstellar dust. The competition received nearly 500 entries from photographers representing 22 countries. These works highlight the technical precision and patience required to capture celestial phenomena. While the broader Astronomy Photographer of the Year winners were previously announced, this specific prize emphasizes a diverse global participation pool and a wide range of cosmic subjects, from the Milky Way to distant deep-space structures.
Why it matters
These competitions serve as a benchmark for elite science photography by blending artistic creativity with astronomical accuracy. They draw global attention to the intersection of technology and nature. Recent contests have simultaneously focused on wildlife and weather phenomena.
Still unconfirmed
- The 2026 Astrophotography Prize attracted nearly 500 entries from photographers across 22 countries.
What to watch next
- Release of the full list of 31 Astronomy Photographer of the Year winners
confidence 70%Sources used for this update (8)
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- www.flickr.com — ⭕ Welcome NEW MEMBERS Introduce yourself here! | Abandoned and Forgotten
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- 2.boredpanda.com — The 2026 Astrophotography Prize Winners Show Just How ...
- www.vcreporter.com — Happenings: Week of Nov. 5, 2026 | Calendar | vcreporter.com
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Wildlife Photographer of the Year Crowns 2026 Winner
Federico Veronesi wins the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 contest with an elephant photograph, while the astronomy and weather photography competitions announce their respective winners and finalists. The global photography contests highlight different aspects of the natural world, from deep space and nocturnal skies to dramatic weather phenomena and wildlife habitats. Organizers have released details on prize winners, upcoming exhibitions, and competition finalists. The events draw international attention to elite nature and science photography.
Why it matters
Major international photography competitions serve as critical platforms for recognizing excellence in capturing the natural world, celestial objects, and atmospheric conditions. These contests draw thousands of entries globally, showcasing technical skill and artistic vision across specialized scientific and natural genres. Announcing these winners provides public visibility for professional and amateur photographers alike.
What is confirmed
- Federico Veronesi wins the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 contest with an elephant photograph.
Still unconfirmed
- The Weather Photographer of the Year 2026 competition features strong contenders including images of a double rainbow, lightning strikes, and a swirling supercell thunderstorm.
- Upcoming events include an insider visit to Jodrell Bank Observatory, speaking dates, and a Namibia tour.
What to watch next
- Exhibition details for the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 winners
- Final results and winner announcements for the Weather Photographer of the Year 2026 competition
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (3)
- www.photoscala.de — Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026: Die Gewinner stehen ...
- nightfallandelsewhere.substack.com — Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2026
- www.dailymail.com — Rain, hail or shine! Weather Photographer of the Year ...
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Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2026 Winners Announced
The 2026 Astronomy Photographer of the Year contest, presented by Celestron, has announced 31 winners out of over 1,400 entries. Evan McKay of New Zealand won the grand prize with a collaborative image of supernova remnant SNR G110.3+11.3. Other category winners include Jason Perry of Australia, Marzena Rogozińska of Poland, and Alpha Zhang of China. The contest showcases stunning images of the night sky, including landscapes, auroras, and deep space.
Why it matters
The Astronomy Photographer of the Year contest is a prestigious competition that celebrates the best in astrophotography. The contest has been running for many years and attracts entries from around the world. The winning images provide a glimpse into the beauty and complexity of the universe, and are a testament to the skill and creativity of the photographers.
What is confirmed
- The 2026 Astronomy Photographer of the Year contest received over 1,400 entries.
- Evan McKay of New Zealand won the grand prize.
- A collaborative image of supernova remnant SNR G110.3+11.3 won the grand prize.
- Jason Perry of Australia, Marzena Rogozińska of Poland, and Alpha Zhang of China are among the category winners.
- Apostolos Kyriazis won the Nightscapes award.
Still unconfirmed
- The Dementors of Cepheus image won an award.
What to watch next
- The official announcement of the winners on the Astronomy Magazine website
- The exhibition of the winning images
- The 2027 Astronomy Photographer of the Year contest entries
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (7)
- www.astronomy.com — Astronomy Magazine: Space News, Observing, Planets, Galaxies
- www.timeout.com — 26 Best Things To Do In Adelaide | 2026 Guide
- explorersweb.com — Photo Contest Winners Reveal Microscopic Alien Worlds
- www.pttl.gr — Astronomy Magazine’s 31 winning images include a Greek ...
- pixcontests.com — ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2026 Photo Contest
- doramalatnoticias.com — Stunning Winners of the 2026 Astrophotography Prize Revealed ...
- www.popsci.com — 23 dazzling panoramic images from the 2026 Epson ...
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Astronomy Magazine Announces 2026 Astrophotography Contest Winners
Astronomy magazine has announced the winners of its 2026 Astrophotography Contest, presented by Celestron. The contest received over 1,400 entries and Evan McKay of New Zealand won the grand prize. Other category winners include Jason Perry of Australia, Marzena Rogozińska of Poland, and Alpha Zhang of China. A collaborative image of supernova remnant SNR G110.3+11.3 won the grand prize.
Why it matters
This is the magazine's first photo contest in 13 years, showcasing stunning astronomical images from around the world. The contest highlights the skill and creativity of astrophotographers globally. The winners' images capture breathtaking celestial scenes, from supernova remnants to other astronomical wonders.
What is confirmed
- Evan McKay of New Zealand won the 2026 Astrophotography Prize.
- Over 1,400 entries were received in the magazine's first photo contest in 13 years.
- A collaborative image of supernova remnant SNR G110.3+11.3 won the grand prize.
- Jason Perry of Australia, Marzena Rogozińska of Poland, and Alpha Zhang of China are category winners.
What to watch next
- The official announcement of the contest on Astronomy magazine's website
- The display of winning images in an exhibition or online gallery
- The publication of a photo essay featuring the winning images in a future issue of Astronomy magazine
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.timeout.com — Time Out New York | New York Events and Things To Do All Year
- www.yahoo.com — Announcing the winners of Astronomy Magazine's 2026 ... - Yahoo
- article.wn.com — Announcing the winners of Astronomy Magazine’s 2026 ...
- thegoodnewsbrief.com — Astronomy Magazine names winners of 2026 astrophotography ...
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Astronomy Photographer Winners and Background Data
Recent reports highlight various astronomical photography achievements alongside unrelated mathematical definitions and entertainment media. Evan McKay of New Zealand won the 2026 Astrophotography Prize, joined by category winners Jason Perry of Australia, Marzena Rogozińska of Poland, and Alpha Zhang of China. Separate background materials outline properties of the number thirty-one, such as its prime status and presence in calendar months, while political commentary discusses cost of living pressures involving John Healey. Additionally, streaming availability is noted for a 2016 horror film titled Thirty-One involving kidnapped carnival workers.
Why it matters
This update aggregates previously reported competition results with distinct background references spanning mathematics, politics, and film. The juxtaposition captures diverse topical data points associated with the number thirty-one. Monitoring these disparate references clarifies the boundaries between specific astrophotography awards and unrelated media entries.
What is confirmed
- 31 is a prime number, a twin prime with 29, a super-prime, and a Mersenne prime.
- January, March, May, July, August, October and December have 31 days.
Still unconfirmed
- John Healey is under pressure to help with the cost of living with little room for manoeuvre.
- On Halloween night, five kidnapped carnival workers must survive 12 hours playing a cat-and-mouse game with ghoulish freaks inside a hellish compound.
What to watch next
- Further official announcements regarding the astronomy competition entries
- Updates on the political budget and cost of living pressures managed by John Healey
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (3)
- en.wikipedia.org — 31 (number) - Wikipedia
- inews.co.uk — What the Budget could mean for high, low and middle incomes
- tubitv.com — Watch 31 (2016) - Free Movies | Tubi
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Evan McKay Wins 2026 Astrophotography Prize
Evan McKay of New Zealand won the 2026 Astrophotography Prize. Other category winners include Jason Perry of Australia for Aurora, Marzena Rogozińska of Poland for Deep Space, and Alpha Zhang of China for Remote Imaging. The competition highlights high-resolution images of the night sky and celestial phenomena. While a Kuwaiti photographer and Kfir Simon are linked to astrophotography achievements in recent reports, McKay is the primary recognized winner for the 2026 prize.
Why it matters
The competition identifies the top practitioners of night sky imaging across different technical categories. These awards recognize the ability to capture distant galaxies and atmospheric light displays.
What is confirmed
- Evan McKay of New Zealand won the 2026 Astrophotography Prize.
- Jason Perry of Australia won the Aurora category.
- Marzena Rogozińska of Poland won the Deep Space category.
- Alpha Zhang of China won the Remote Imaging category.
- Evan McKay won the Astro Landscape category.
Still unconfirmed
- A Kuwaiti astrophotographer won an award for a photograph of an elusive night sky sight.
- Kfir Simon photographed the Helix Nebula, which is 650 light years away.
What to watch next
- Publication of the full list of 31 winners
- Details on the nPAE World Champion Astrophotographer announcement
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
- laraertaul.com — 2026 Astrophotography Prize: Celebrating This Year’s Winners
- kuwaittimes.com — A Kuwaiti among the stars | Kuwait Times Newspaper
- www.npae.net — 2026 nPAE World Champion Astrophotographer
- www.digitalcameraworld.com — Peering through the heart of a dying star, photographer Kfir ...
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Federico Veronesi Wins 2026 Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Federico Veronesi of Italy won the overall prize for the 2026 Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. His winning image depicts an elephant carrying a dead calf. The competition featured 65,403 entries across various categories, including photojournalism, mammal behavior, underwater scenes, and urban wildlife. Other recognized images include a black bear in a swimming pool, a bird on a rhinoceros, and illuminated bonnet mushrooms. These selections aim to provide new perspectives on the behavior of humans and animals.
Why it matters
The competition uses a hand-selection process to identify winning and highly commended photographs from a global pool of entries. This annual event highlights biodiversity and animal behavior through professional photography.
What is confirmed
- Federico Veronesi of Italy won the overall prize for his image of an elephant carrying a dead calf.
- The competition categories include underwater, urban wildlife, photojournalism, and mammal behavior.
What to watch next
- Publication of the full gallery of highly commended images
- Announcement of exhibition dates for the winning photographs
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (2)
- article.wn.com — Wildlife photographer of the year 2026 winners – in pictures
- www.yahoo.com — This year’s Wildlife Photographer winners deliver striking ...
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Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 Winners Revealed
An elephant carrying its deceased calf won the overall prize for the 2026 Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. Organizers hand-selected the winning and highly commended photographs from 65,403 total entries. The competitive field spans multiple categories, highlighting mammal behavior, underwater scenes, urban wildlife, and photojournalism. Standout images feature a black bear relaxing in a swimming pool, bonnet mushrooms illuminating the night sky, and a bird perched on a rhinoceros. CNN, National Geographic, and The Guardian covered the release of these winning selections.
Why it matters
This contest evaluates global photography talent across diverse environmental categories, serving as a major benchmark in nature and wildlife documentation. The winning images document animal behavior and human-wildlife proximity. They arrive alongside concurrent contests like the AOP Emerging Talent Awards.
What is confirmed
- A heartbreaking image of an elephant carrying its deceased calf won the 2026 Wildlife Photographer of the Year award.
- The competition drew 65,403 entries ahead of the exhibition.
- Winning images span topics from underwater to urban wildlife, mammal behaviour, and photojournalism.
Still unconfirmed
- One winning image hits like a private warning about how close we are to losing what we love.
- A black bear relaxing in a swimming pool and bonnet mushrooms glowing up the night sky are among the winning photos.
What to watch next
- Public exhibition dates for the 2026 Wildlife Photographer of the Year collection
- Announcement of category winners and specialized runner-up prizes
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (8)
- www.nationalgeographic.com — 16 Striking Photos From This Year’s Best Wildlife Photographers
- www.discoverwildlife.com — Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 winners revealed | Discover Wildlife
- www.theguardian.com — Wildlife photographer of the year 2026 winners – in pictures
- www.express.co.uk — Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 winners showcase ...
- www.cnn.com — Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 winning images ...
- www.cntravellerme.com — Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026: the heartbreaking ...
- gizmodo.com — This Bird Has Seen Some Things—and the Photo Just Won an Award
- www.yahoo.com — The future of photography is bright – these award-winning talents demonstrate why, with images of a shrinking glacier in Iceland and a first-of-its-kind school in Scotland
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Astronomy Photographer Winners Announced
Ali Alobaidly won the top prize of 10,000 pounds at the eighteenth annual ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition hosted by the Royal Observatory Greenwich. His winning image, The Quiet Predator, depicts the Shark Nebula from Kuwait. The contest received nearly 4,000 entries from 769 photographers across 66 countries. Thirty-one distinct images were selected as winners, showcasing celestial phenomena including royal auroras and a Venusian pearl. Astrophotographers continually combat environmental hurdles such as atmospheric instability, wildfire ash, dust, and light pollution while attempting to secure clear night skies.
Why it matters
The Royal Observatory Greenwich hosts this annual competition to honor outstanding astrophotography from around the globe. Participants must overcome significant natural and manmade obstructions like light pollution to capture distant celestial objects. The resulting imagery brings remote cosmic phenomena into sharp focus for public view.
What is confirmed
- Ali Alobaidly won the top prize of 10,000 pounds in the eighteenth annual ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition.
- The winning shot by Ali Alobaidly is titled The Quiet Predator and captures the Shark Nebula from Kuwait.
- The competition received nearly 4,000 entries submitted by 769 photographers across 66 countries.
- Winning entries feature thirty-one distinct images highlighting celestial phenomena including a Venusian pearl and royal auroras.
What to watch next
- Future announcements regarding subsequent rounds or exhibition dates for the winning astronomy photographs.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.digitalcameraworld.com — Does this pitbull look “dangerous” to you? “No” says 2026 ...
- www.telegraph.co.uk — Astronomy - The Telegraph
- en.wikipedia.org — Time Person of the Year - Wikipedia
- www.aol.co.uk — Shooting and scoring: Photographer Alex Pantling on capturing ...
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Astronomy Photographer of the Year Winners Crowned
Ali Alobaidly claimed the top prize of 10,000 pounds in the eighteenth annual ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition, hosted by the Royal Observatory Greenwich. His winning shot, titled The Quiet Predator, captures the Shark Nebula from Kuwait. The competition drew nearly 4,000 entries submitted by 769 photographers across 66 countries. Winning entries feature thirty-one distinct images, highlighting a variety of celestial phenomena including a Venusian pearl and royal auroras. Astrophotographers continue to face environmental hurdles such as light pollution, atmospheric instability, dust, and wildfire ash while attempting to secure clear night skies.
Why it matters
The Royal Observatory Greenwich contest showcases the intersection of technical skill and artistic vision in capturing deep space phenomena. International competitions provide global platforms for photographers of varying experience levels to present their work to broader audiences. Environmental obstacles complicate the pursuit of clear atmospheric conditions necessary for detailed celestial capture.
What is confirmed
- Ali Alobaidly won the overall prize of 10,000 pounds at the ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2026 competition with an image of the Shark Nebula titled The Quiet Predator.
- The competition organized by the Royal Observatory Greenwich received nearly 4,000 images from 769 photographers across 66 countries.
- Bulgarian photographer Radoslav Sviretsov captured an award-winning aurora picture during a strong geomagnetic storm on a trip to Iceland.
Still unconfirmed
- Doves symbolize the Holy Spirit while personally being considered the rats of the sky.
What to watch next
- Additional announcements regarding special prize winners and specific category victors from the eight competition categories.
- Future international photography contest deadlines and entry cycles opening in October.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (6)
- petapixel.com — Spotlight - PetaPixel
- memooftheair.wordpress.com — Fool moon. | Memo Of The Air
- deep-space-astronomy.ch — Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2026 : les gagnants du ...
- www.youtube.com — A Space Shark, a Venusian Pearl & the Stunning Winners of ...
- www.digitalcameraworld.com — “In moments like this, I feel nothing but gratitude for being ...
- www.digitalcameraworld.com — All award-winning photographers started somewhere – 10 ...
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Shark Nebula Wins Astronomy Photographer of the Year
A shark-shaped nebula captured from the Kuwait desert secured the top prize in the eighteenth annual ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition. The Royal Observatory Greenwich event highlights thirty-one winning images, showcasing diverse celestial phenomena like a Venusian pearl and royal auroras. While these professional images celebrate the wonders of the universe, astrophotography conditions face mounting challenges from environmental factors. Photographers contend with shifting atmospheric conditions, wildfire ash, dust, and light pollution during their search for clear skies.
Why it matters
Capturing deep-space objects requires specialized imaging techniques that grow more difficult as environmental hurdles increase. The competition documents the intersection of art and science by bringing global attention to stunning celestial bodies. At the same time, broader ecological shifts directly impact the visibility of the night sky for professional and amateur astronomers alike.
What is confirmed
- A shark-shaped nebula won the eighteenth annual ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition.
- Changing atmospheric conditions, light pollution, and wildfire ash and dust make finding favorable astrophotography conditions harder.
What to watch next
- Exhibition details for the winning collection
- Further announcements from the Royal Observatory Greenwich regarding the annual contest
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (14)
- www.wuft.org — The death of a star: How climate change and light pollution are changing astronomy
- www.natureworldnews.com — From a Space Shark to a Venusian Pearl, These Are the Winners ...
- petapixel.com — Articles by Jeremy Gray at PetaPixel
- harpercollins.co.uk — Astronomy Photographer of the Year: Collection 15 by and ...
- science.mail.ru — Победители конкурса астрофотографии Astronomy Photographer of ...
- dok-zlo.livejournal.com — ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2026. : dok_zlo ...
- amateurphotographer.com — Our favourite photo taken by YOU! This week, a rainy street scene - plus more wildlife, street and landsc....
- www.natureworldnews.com — Thirty-One Members Join OceanEye Alliance as Canada Pledges C$82 Million for Ocean Monitoring - Nature Wo....
- sandiegomagazine.com — SDFC Is Building More Than a Soccer Club | San Diego Magazine
- en.wikipedia.org — 31 (film) - Wikipedia
- 31inc.com — 31 Inc
- thirtyonehats.org — Thirty One Hats® | Official 31 Hats Store – LA Streetwear...
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Royal Observatory Greenwich and ZWO Name 2026 Astronomy Photographer Winners
The Royal Observatory Greenwich and ZWO have announced 31 winners for the 2026 Astronomy Photographer of the Year contest. Winning entries include a nebula image and a photograph of a deep-space shark captured from the Kuwait desert. Other highlighted winning works include a Venusian pearl and royal auroras. The competition recognizes high-quality astrophotography from around the world, showcasing a variety of celestial phenomena through specialized imaging techniques.
Why it matters
The competition is a joint effort between ZWO and the Royal Observatory Greenwich. It highlights the intersection of amateur photography and astronomical science. These awards bring visibility to rare cosmic structures and atmospheric events.
What is confirmed
- The 2026 ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year contest has 31 winners.
- Royal Observatory Greenwich and ZWO presented the Astronomy Photographer of the Year awards.
- Winning images include a deep-space shark photographed from the Kuwait desert, royal auroras, and a Venusian pearl.
What to watch next
- Publication of the full gallery of 31 winning images
- Details on the specific equipment used for the deep-space shark photograph
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (6)
- PetaPixel — The 31 Out-of-this-World Winners of Astronomy Photographer of the Year
- Royal Museums Greenwich — Photographing a deep-space shark from the Kuwait desert
- Live Science — A space shark, 'royal' auroras and a 'Venusian pearl': See the winners of the 2026 ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year contest
- Sky & Telescope — Royal Observatory Greenwich and ZWO Present the Astronomy Photographer of the Year
- BBC — Nebula image wins Royal Observatory competition
- www.businessinsider.com — These award-winning underwater photos provide a rare glimpse beneath the world's oceans
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