STAR GAZING
Astronomy Photographer of the Year showcases the world’s best space photography, from spectacular skyscapes to mind-blowing images of distant planets and galaxies words dolores o ’ donoghue
A
photograph of the annular solar eclipse, taken
wich said: ‘Solar eclipses have been capturing the
in Tibet by Chinese photographer Shuchang
interest of humans for thousands of years across the
Dong, has been awarded the top prize at the
world. This image demonstrates not only the beauty
prestigious Royal Observatory Greenwich Astronomy
and simplicity of an eclipse, but also the science behind
Photographer of the Year awards (see page 32).
this astronomical event. Our sun can still be seen as a
The beauty, simplicity and technical excellence of
ring circling the Moon as it passes in front of the Sun,
Dong’s image spellbound the judges. The photograph
and mountains on the lunar surface can be seen hiding
depicts the annular solar eclipse that occurred on 21
some of this light on the lower right-hand portion of
June 2020 in a powerful and atmospheric composition. the image. This is a stunning achievement!’ Competition judge Dr Emily Drabek-Maunder, who is
30 ANTHOLOGY
Astronomy Photographer of the Year, which
an astronomer, astrophysicist and the Senior Manager
celebrates the artistry of astrophotography, is run by
of Public Astronomy at the Royal Observatory Green-
the Royal Observatory Greenwich in association with
