The 2025 ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year Awards has unveiled its shortlist, flaunting stunning images from the cosmos. Photographers worldwide submitted over 5,500 entries from 69 countries, showcasing everything from electrifying auroras to distant galaxies. The grand prize winner will receive £10,000 (around $13,560), while category winners will earn £1,500 (about $2,030).
ZWO’s founder, Sam Wen, shared their vision: “Astrophotography connects us with the universe. It inspires curiosity and builds communities.”
The award ceremony is scheduled for September, with winning photos to be displayed at the National Maritime Museum in London.
Highlights from the Shortlist
Auroras
- Filip Brebenda captured a mesmerizing green aurora over Norway, with reflections in a serene pool of water.
- Daniel Zafra photographed a rare magenta and green aurora over Mono Lake in California.
- Vincent Beudez showcased a breathtaking aurora reminiscent of an arctic flower in Tromsø, Norway.
Galaxies
- The Triangulum Galaxy (M33) was imaged by a Hungarian team, revealing star formations intensified by gravitational interactions.
- An exquisite image from Tibet features the Andromeda Galaxy (M31), showcasing its spiral arms in superb detail, created over 216 hours.
Our Moon
- Flavien Beauvais snapped a dramatic full moon over a French château.
- Chayaphon Phanitloet captured the moon obscuring Saturn, highlighting a rare cosmic alignment.
Our Sun
- Zhang Yanguang captured the International Space Station passing in front of the sun, revealing exceptional solar details.
- A captivating image of a 311,000-mile solar prominence was taken by PengFei Chou during a major eruption.
Interesting Facts
According to a recent survey by the National Science Foundation, over 70% of Americans believe that astronomy inspires curiosity. This sentiment aligns with the goals of the ZWO awards, which aim to foster interest in astrophotography beyond professional circles.
Social media reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with hashtags related to the awards trending globally, reflecting a growing interest in both astrophotography and community engagement in science.
Through breathtaking visuals and a sense of community, the ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year Awards continues to captivate both seasoned photographers and budding amateurs alike. You can explore the shortlisted images and learn more about the event on Royal Observatory Greenwich.
