These Breathtaking Photos Capture the Wonder and Beauty of Outer Space Like You’ve Never Seen It Before

Galaxies far, far away are appearing closer than ever thanks to the techniques of astrophotography inspiring us to photograph the wonder of space and worlds beyond. Amateurs and professional photographers travel the world seeking dark skies to capture the mesmerizing and complex happenings of the universe. Camera technologies are constantly advancing our understanding of the night skies and inspiring us to seek and explore.

The Royal Observatory Greenwich and Insight Investment have hosted the Astronomy Photographer of the Year awards for the past decade calling in thousands of entries from across the globe. The 2018 Astronomy Photographers of the Year were announced on Oct. 24 in conjunction with a gallery exhibition opening at the National Maritime Museum in London. This year's contest received over 4,200 entries from 91 countries, making it a strenuous task for the judges to decide what images were worthy of awards.

Brad Goldpaint, an American photographer, was awarded the top prize and title of Astronomy Photographer of the Year. The winning image entitled "Transport the Soul" was taken in Moab, Utah. A photographer stands among the red rock formations of the desert while the Milky Way appears overhead barely conceivable as reality. There is an infinite landscape to take in while viewing these winning astronomy photographs. From the glimmer of stars and textures in the darkness to the larger than life scale of Earth and sky.

The following 11 photographs were chosen as the top winning images from each category of the 2018 contest. Along with runners-up and highly commended photos, these and the previous years’ winners are on view at the National Maritime Museum from now until May 5, 2019. There is also a published book of the works available to add to your coffee table collection.

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Overall Winner, Astronomy Photographer of the Year

Top Winning Astronomy Photographs of the Year

Transport the Soul by Brad Goldpaint

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Aurorae Winner by Nicolas Lefaudeux

Speeding on the Aurora Lane

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Galaxies Winner

NGC 3521, Mysterious Galaxy by Steven Mohr

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Our Moon Winner

Inverted Colours of the boundary between Mare Serenitatis and Mare Tranquilitatis by Jordi Delpeix Borrell

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Our Sun Winner

Sun King, Little King, and God of War by Nicolas Lefaudeux

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Planets, Comets and Asteroids Winner

The Grace of Venus by Martin Lewis

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Skyscapes Winner

Circumpolar by Ferenc Szémár

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Stars and Nebulae Winner

Corona Australis Dust Complex by Mario Cogo

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Young Astronomy Photographer of the Year

Great Autumn Morning by Fabian Dalpiaz, 15

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Sir Patrick Moore Prize for Best Newcomer

Galaxy Curtain Call Performance by Tianhong Li

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Robotic Scope Winner

Two comets with the Pleiades by Damian Peach

Replay gallery

These Breathtaking Photos Capture the Wonder and Beauty of Outer Space Like You’ve Never Seen It Before

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Overall Winner, Astronomy Photographer of the Year