Take a look at these out-of-this-world photographs

Brownstown, Michigan, USA — Image caption,
M81, a Grand Design Spiral Galaxy by Holden Aimar

3 July 2024

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From stars to moons, the astronomy photographer of the year attracts thousands of entries from around the world.

And now, the shortlist for the 16th year of the competition has been released.

You can explore some of the out-of-this-world images below.

Eystrahorn Mountain, Iceland

Hvalnesviti, Iceland — Image caption,
A Night with the Valkyries by Jose Miguel Picon Chimelis

This scene in Iceland shows a panoramic view of the Eystrahorn Mountain.

Showing the shimmering colours of the Northern Lights, photographer Jose Miguel Picon Chimelis says it is one of the most amazing photos that they have captured while taking pictures at night.

Lone Men of Kaokoland, Namibia

Kunene Region, Namibia — Image caption,
Run to Carina by Vikas Chander

Deep in northwest Namibia an artist has been at work placing numerous sculptures made of stone all over the desert.

This one is known as the ‘Lone Men of Kaokoland’.

Photographer Vikas Chander says that he is on a 'quest to photograph them all'.

Snettisham beach, Norfolk

Snettisham Beach, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, UK — Image caption,
Serpentine by Paul Haworth

Taken on Snettisham beach in Norfolk, Paul Haworth photographed this scene in April 2023.

He said "I was accompanied all night by the incredible sound of the birds out on the flats – they never ceased and it was a fantastic soundtrack to the crystal-clear night.

I named this image ‘Serpentine’ as I love the curved channel in the mudflat, mirroring the trailing stars, and the wonderful scaly texture of the mud cracks."

Lonely house in the Namib Desert

Garub, Namibia — Image caption,
Abandoned House by Stefan Liebermann

This little abandoned house is in the middle of the Namib Desert - a coastal desert in Southern Africa - and above it, the stars of our Milky Way galaxy.

The photographer brought some lights to put in the house and waited for the the perfect photo opportunity.

'Artic Dragon', Iceland

Raufarhöfn, Iceland — Image caption,
Arctic Dragon by Carina Letelier Baeza

This photo was taken in Iceland and is named the 'Artic Dragon' because of the shape of the green lights above the rock pyramids.

The lights are caused by the Northern Lights which is sometimes also called the aurora.

Find out more about the Northern Lights

Total solar eclipse, Australia

Exmouth, Western Australia, Australia — Image caption,
Total Solar Eclipse by Gwenaël Blanck

A total solar eclipse is arguably one of the most beautiful displays from nature.

Photographer Gwenaël Blanck says "Everyone should experience it at least once in their lifetime.

"In April 2023 I went to Australia, for 62 seconds of totality. It seems short, but it was worth every penny and effort to get there. Pictures don’t do justice to this wonder."

Saturn and its moons

Blue Mountains, New South Wales, Australia — Image caption,
Saturn with Six Moons by Andy Casely

This photo of Saturn is so clear.

Taken by Andy Casely, the planet's six moons are also visible in orbit.

The shortlisted images have been released by the Royal Observatory Greenwich.

With over 3,500 entries from 58 countries across the globe, the overall winning images and runners-up will be announced on Thursday 12 September 2024.