ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2025 Shortlist Unveiled

The Royal Observatory Greenwich has officially announced the shortlist for the prestigious ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2025, showcasing a remarkable collection of celestial images that capture the beauty and complexity of our universe. This year, the competition received an impressive 5,500 submissions from 69 countries, highlighting the global passion for astrophotography.

The shortlisted images, which include stunning depictions of auroras, the Milky Way, star trails, total solar eclipses, and the moon, exemplify the artistic and scientific merit that the competition seeks to promote. According to Sam Wen, Founder and CEO of ZWO, the competition serves as a tribute to those who look to the stars and share their extraordinary observations with the world. The overall winner will be awarded $13,600 and announced on September 11, 2025, alongside category winners and special prize recipients.

Among the standout photographs is a breathtaking image of the Northern Lights over Mono Lake, California, taken by Dan Zafra. This shot, captured on October 10, 2024, showcases vibrant ribbons of magenta and green illuminating the sky, reflecting in the tranquil waters of the lake. Zafra, who previously won the people’s choice category in 2022, noted the rarity of this occurrence in the region, making the photograph even more significant.

Another remarkable entry features a solitary Dragon Blood Tree in Yemen's Socotra Island, photographed by Benjamin Barakat. This image, taken in March 2024, captures the unique flora of Socotra, which is often referred to as the ‘Galápagos of the Indian Ocean’ due to its biodiversity.

The shortlist also includes multiple images of the moon, with one particularly striking photo taken by Karthik Easvur during the Beaver Moon in November 2024. Easvur’s image, created from hundreds of stacked photographs, reveals subtle color variations in the moon’s surface, providing insights into its geological composition.

The Royal Observatory Greenwich, established in 1675, has a rich history as the first state-funded scientific institution in the United Kingdom. It is renowned for its contributions to astronomy and navigation and is home to Greenwich Mean Time and the Prime Meridian. As it celebrates its 350th anniversary, the Observatory continues to inspire and educate the public about the universe.

The winning photographs will be exhibited at the National Maritime Museum starting September 12, 2025, allowing visitors to appreciate the artistry and technical skill involved in capturing these incredible astronomical phenomena. The ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition not only highlights individual talent but also fosters a community of astronomers and photographers who share a common fascination with the cosmos. As the date of the announcement approaches, the anticipation builds for the final results of this celebrated competition, which encourages both seasoned and amateur photographers to explore and document the wonders of the night sky.