ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2026 winners

Take a look at the winning images in the world's biggest space photography competition

Photographing a deep-space shark from the Kuwait desert

Explore Ali Alobaidly’s incredibly detailed photo of the Shark Nebula, which was crowned the winner of ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2026

Astronomy with the naked eye

Learn what you could see in the night sky with no equipment from the Royal Observatory Greenwich; from galaxies and meteor showers to comets, star clusters, cloud formations and more

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Astronomy guides

Find out what you can see in the night sky with astronomers from Royal Observatory Greenwich

Night sky highlights - October 2026

As our nights become longer, this October you can see Saturn at its best and brightest, a meteor shower originating from Halley’s Comet, and the Hunter’s Moon to put you in the mood for spooky season.

Full Moon calendar 2026

Check the dates for every full Moon throughout the year, learn about the Moon's phases, 'supermoons' and more

Astronomy with the naked eye

Learn what you could see in the night sky with no equipment from the Royal Observatory Greenwich; from galaxies and meteor showers to comets, star clusters, cloud formations and more

Noctilucent clouds: what are they and when can you see them?

Discover more about the astronomy phenomenon that makes clouds appear to glow at night 

Lunar eclipse guide: When and where to see in the UK

Find out what a lunar eclipse is and when the next total lunar eclipse in the UK will occur

How to sight the new crescent Moon

In the Islamic calendar, the new crescent Moon marks the start of the month

Orionid meteor shower 2026: when and where to see it in the UK

What is it, when is it and where can I see the Orionid meteor shower this year?

Ursid meteor shower: When and where to see it in the UK

What is the Ursid meteor shower, when does it happen and how can I see it in 2026?

Space and astronomy highlights in 2026

What should you keep your eyes on the skies for in 2026? Discover this year's standout moments with Royal Observatory astronomers
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Space science

Find space facts, learn about groundbreaking research and discover what the future holds for space exploration

The dwarf planets: Pluto, Ceres, Haumea, Makemake and Eris

We’ve all heard of the planets, but what is a dwarf planet? And why isn’t Pluto a planet anymore?

How could humans live on Mars?

Astronomer and author Brendan Owens examines the challenges of sending humans to Mars - and what the future holds for our study of the Red Planet

How will the Universe end?

Life on Earth, our Sun and Solar System, the Milky Way – all good things must come to an end. But what about the fate of the Universe itself?

15 awe-inspiring astronomy discoveries

Discover 15 incredible astronomy facts that might just change how you see the Universe

What are the Pleiades?

Take a closer look at the Pleiades, an extremely hot cluster of young stars. Also known as the 'Seven Sisters' or M45, this stellar family has been the subject of numerous myths in cultures worldwide

The James Webb Space Telescope’s first year of images

Royal Observatory astronomer Julienne Hisole looks back on what we’ve learnt from the pioneering space telescope’s first 12 months of observing

The new space race: a high-stakes competition of politics and power

Competition between the USA, China and Russia will have consequences for all of us here on Earth. But how is this 21st century space race different to the last one?

The Tunguska Event

Learn more about the Tunguska event in 1908, a highly destructive asteroid explosion that occurred in a remote area of Siberia

Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) Mission: All you need to know

How habitable are Jupiter's icy moons? Why is the Solar System's largest moon so unique? How did Jupiter, and other gas giant planets, form? Find out how the European Space Agency's groundbreaking JUICE mission will answer these questions and more.
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What’s on

Find space and astronomy events in Greenwich.

Experiences | Space and astronomy

Observatory Unlocked
Drop by and chat with our Royal Observatory Explainers as they bring science and astronomy to life
Saturdays and Sundays
Included with entry to the Royal Observatory
Royal Observatory
Talks and tours | Space and astronomy

Royal Observatory Treasures Tour
Explore some of the Royal Observatory's most treasured objects with a guided tour
Daily tours at 11am and 3pm
£5 Adults | £3.50 Students | £2.50 Children | In addition to Royal Observatory entry | Members go free
Royal Observatory
Family fun | Experiences | Space and astronomy

Unboxing the Universe
Blast off on an unforgettable journey through space in this exciting science theatre show, and answer some big questions about the Universe along the way
26 & 27 Sept | 24 & 25 Oct | 14 & 15 Nov | 12 & 13 Dec | 11.30pm and 1.30pm
£8 for adult / child / student ticket
National Maritime Museum
Family fun | Space and astronomy

Astronomy LEGO brick club
Join us for a LEGO brick building club themed around the night sky
Fridays from 2.30-4.30pm
Free
National Maritime Museum
Experiences | Space and astronomy

Mirror Moon
Luke Jerram's Mirror Moon has landed at the Royal Observatory – see and feel the lunar surface like never before
On display now
Included with entry to the Royal Observatory
Royal Observatory
Talks and tours | Space and astronomy

Lunar Tours
Come and find out about our history of observing, mapping and exploring the Moon, our closest neighbour
Daily tours at 1.30pm
£5 Adults | £3.50 Students | £2.50 Children | In addition to Royal Observatory entry
Royal Observatory
Exhibitions | Space and astronomy

ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year exhibition
See the world's greatest space photography at the National Maritime Museum
Open daily | 10am-5pm
Adult £12 | Child £6 | Student £9
National Maritime Museum
Talks and tours | Space and astronomy

In conversation with Luke Jerram
Join internationally acclaimed artist Luke Jerram for an evening exploring the stories behind his sculptures
Friday 9 October 2026 | 6.30-8pm
Adults: £14 | Students: £11
National Maritime Museum
Talks and tours | Space and astronomy

Members' lecture: Galaxies with Jake Foster
Royal Observatory astronomer Jake Foster explores the Universe on an expansive scale, showcasing and examining the stars, planets, gas and dark matter that populate our cosmos
Tuesday 13 October 2026 | 6.30-7.30pm
Free for Members
National Maritime Museum
Family fun | Talks and tours | Space and astronomy

October half term at the Royal Observatory
Come along for astronomy talks, spooky tours for Halloween and more
Saturday 24 October - Sunday 1 November 2026 | See page for details
Various | See page for details
Royal Observatory
Courses | Astronomy courses

An Introduction to Life in the Universe
Are we alone in the Universe? Join this online adult course for an introduction to astrobiology and an exploration of how astronomers search for alien life
Six-week course held on Monday evenings beginning 2 November 2026
£106
Online
Courses | Astronomy courses

Amateur astronomy for beginners
A course for those looking to make astronomy into a hobby
Six-week course held on Tuesday evenings beginning 3 November 2026 and 23 February 2027
£106
National Maritime Museum
Courses | Astronomy courses

Introduction to Astronomy
Learn the basics of astronomy with expert tutors from Royal Observatory Greenwich
Six-week courses held on Tuesday evenings - see page for dates
£106
National Maritime Museum
Courses | Astronomy courses

Foundation Astrophysics
A series of ten-week courses on more advanced topics in astrophysics
10-week module held on Tuesday evenings beginning 1 December 2026 and 9 March 2027
£220 per module
National Maritime Museum
Courses | Astronomy courses

Intermediate Astronomy
Acquire a rigorous scientific understanding of the Universe with the Royal Observatory Greenwich
10-week modules held on Tuesday evenings beginning 1 December 2026 and 9 March 2027
£225 per module
National Maritime Museum
Events and festivals | Space and astronomy

Winter Solstice Family Festival

Join Royal Museum Greenwich for a day of family activities celebrating folktales about the winter solstice - from storytelling and art installations to crafts, music and more
Saturday 19 December 2026 | 10.30am-5pm
Free
National Maritime Museum
Courses | Astronomy courses

Introduction to Astrophysics
Explore topics at the cutting edge of scientific research and the limits of human knowledge
Six-week course held on Tuesday evenings beginning 5 January and 20 April 2027
£106
National Maritime Museum
Courses | Astronomy courses

Introduction to Astronomy Online
Learn the basics of astronomy at the home of time and space in this online course
Six-week course held on Tuesday evenings beginning 20 April 2027
£106
Online
History of astronomy

The discoveries and instruments that changed our understanding of the universe

Mapping the Moon: from Hevelius to Jerram

Shining a light on the lunar ancestors of Mirror Moon in our collection

A history of the Royal Observatory in six objects

Explore 350 years of the world-renowned institution and the people who worked there through six intriguing objects

Zooming in on conservation: the treatment of a 17th century telescope

This beautiful 17th-century telescope needed careful treatment before going on display. Object Conservator Rachel Roberts eyed up the issues

History of the Royal Observatory

Find out more about the founding of the Royal Observatory, and how Greenwich came to be known as the 'Home of Time'

Charles Todd and Australia's Overland Telegraph Line

In this blog we explore the remarkable life of Charles Todd, a Greenwich astronomer who championed Australia's Overland Telegraph Line

History of the Great Equatorial Telescope

The Great Equatorial Telescope at the Royal Observatory kept Britain at the forefront of astrophysics and greatly expanded our knowledge of stars

The Heavens and their Story

In this blog we look at a practical astronomical work written by the husband and wife team of Walter and Annie Maunder. The Maunders worked in the Solar Department of the Royal Observatory Greenwich in the early 1890s.

The Discovery of Uranus

Learn more about how William Herschel discovered Uranus in 1781, the first new planet that had been discovered since antiquity

Weathervanes at the Royal Observatory Greenwich

Discover the history and stories behind the Royal Observatory's weathervanes
See all
Astrophotography

Learn how to take incredible images of the night sky with expert advice from astronomers and award-winning photographers

‘I think everyone benefits from being out under the night sky’

Go behind the lens with Jennifer Rogers, who was shortlisted in ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2026 with her photo of star trails above a Cornish tin mine

Photographing a deep-space shark from the Kuwait desert

Explore Ali Alobaidly’s incredibly detailed photo of the Shark Nebula, which was crowned the winner of ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2026

How to photograph the Moon with a smartphone

Capture photos of the Moon using your phone with our handy guide

A happy accident: photobombed by a meteor

Learn more about this breathtaking accidental capture of a fleeting fireball meteor, winner of Best Newcomer in ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2025

'Observing the Universe reveals how small yet precious we are'

An accident led Takanobu Kurosaki to rediscover life’s beauty and fall in love with astrophotography. Explore his image shortlisted in ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2025

A rare spectacle: photographing the aurora in England

An incredibly strong solar storm in May 2024 made the aurora visible across the UK. Astrophotographer Darren Flinders seized this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity

Earth and space through an astronaut's lens

Discover how NASA astronaut Don Pettit takes out-of-this-world photographs from the unique and constantly moving vantage point of the International Space Station

Billions of stars, one winning photograph: the core of Andromeda

A trio of photographers from China won the ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2025 competition with a breathtaking image of the core of the Andromeda Galaxy

Photographing a natural optical illusion

Meet Marcella Giulia Pace, who won the Our Moon category of the ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2025 competition with her unique image of a natural optical spectacle
See all

Watch

For Devon-based Jennifer Rogers, astrophotography offers a valuable opportunity to unplug from the modern world and connect to the rugged beauty, nature and wildlife of the South West Coast Path at night. Jennifer explains how she took her photo Vortex, shortlisted in ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2026.

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How do we see and hear the Universe? It's a simple question with a complicated answer. Watch how astrophotographer John White created this arresting photo of water droplets vibrating to the 'sound' of a black hole.

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People in astronomy

Meet amazing individuals involved in astronomy, from groundbreaking figures from history to people pushing the boundaries of science today

Who was John Flamsteed, the first Astronomer Royal?

Meet the man tasked with mapping the night sky from Greenwich, and discover how a feud with Isaac Newton shaped the early history of the Royal Observatory

Accidental astronomy: an interview with Chris Lintott

Professor Chris Lintott, author, astrophysicist and presenter of the BBC's 'Sky at Night’ programme, discusses the incredible astronomical discoveries made by accident or through unplanned detours

Women at Royal Observatory Greenwich

Discover the women who worked in and around the Royal Observatory, facing barriers and prejudice due to their gender

Remembering Sir John F.W. Herschel (1792–1871)

Learn about the life of the pioneering mathematician, astronomer and polymath – and his links with the Royal Observatory

7 female scientists you might not have heard of

Einstein, Newton and Galileo are names we have heard numerous times. But who are the women who have changed the world of science, and why don’t we know their names too?

How many people have walked on the Moon?

The first crewed lunar landing in 1969 was a historic triumph for the USA and humankind. Including the Apollo 11 mission, 12 men have walked on the Moon. But who were they?

Michael Collins's space photo

Michael Collins is the third astronaut on the Apollo 11 mission. He remained in the Command Module as Edwin Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong landed on the Moon surface in 1969

Annie Maunder: solar astronomer and astrophotographer

Find out more about Annie Maunder, a pioneering astronomer, astrophotographer and science communicator

Caroline Herschel: the first paid female astronomer

Caroline discovered eight comets, revised Flamsteed's Star Catalogue, and became the first paid female astronomer in history
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Explore the Universe in Greenwich

Visit the Royal Observatory, and take your knowledge to the next level with our range of books and courses

Royal Observatory
Visit the home of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and the Prime Meridian of the world
ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year exhibition
See the world's greatest space photography at the National Maritime Museum
Astronomy courses at Royal Museums Greenwich
Discover our range of astronomy courses suitable for a range of individuals and experience
Shop
Stargazing: Beginners Guide To Astronomy
£9.99
By Radmila Topalovic and Tom Kerss, Astronomers at the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Stargazing is a useful manual to help astronomy beginners navigate the world of telescopes, planets and celestial maps...
Buy now
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Royal Observatory Greenwich Celestron Travel Scope 70 Telescope
£99.99
The Travel Scope 70 is a refractor telescope perfect for terrestrial and celestial viewing on the go. The Travel Scope can view the planets, moon, star clusters and brighter deep sky objects like the Orion Nebula and Andromeda Galaxy at night and with the erect image star diagonal it makes the optical tube ideal for using as a spotting scope during the day...
Buy now
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Royal Observatory Greenwich: A History in Objects
£35.00
Royal Observatory Greenwich: A History in Objects is a true celebration of the Observatory, its history, collections and the people who worked in it...
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Help make science accessible to all

The Royal Observatory is part of Royal Museums Greenwich, a charity that relies on your support to maintain our telescopes, preserve our historic buildings and run our fantastic astronomy programmes. Donate today and support our astronomers' important work.
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