Essential Information

Type Exhibitions
Location
National Maritime Museum
Date and Times Open daily until July 2025 | 10am-5pm
Prices Free

Glittering stars, shimmering galaxies, fiery suns and silver moons – wherever you are in the universe, don't miss Astronomy Photographer of the Year 16.

Astronomy Photographer of the Year is an annual competition featuring the world’s greatest space photography. Photographers from across the globe compete to take home the prestigious title.

Now it's your chance to see their spellbinding work. 

Over 100 photographs are on show at the National Maritime Museum, displayed at their best on brilliant lightbox screens. The exhibition is free for all visitors to the Museum.

Visit Astronomy Photographer of the Year, and see the world's greatest space photography.

Plan your visit to the National Maritime Museum

“Every year, I leave this exhibition feeling insignificant in the grand scheme of the universe”

Londonist

And the winner is...

Image

Photographer Ryan Imperio from the United States has been named the overall winner of Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2024.

His work, Distorted Shadows of the Moon's Surface Created by an Annular Eclipse, was captured in Texas during the annular solar eclipse of 14 October.

The image is a composite of more than 30 separate photographs of the Sun. The sequence captures the fleeting optical illusion known as 'Baily's beads', which occurs when sunlight shines through the valleys and craters of the Moon.

“What an innovative way to map the Moon’s topography at the point of third contact during an annular solar eclipse," competition judge Kerry-Ann Lecky Hepburn said. "This is an impressive dissection of the fleeting few seconds during the visibility of the Baily’s beads. This image left me captivated and amazed. It’s exceptional work deserving of high recognition. Congratulations!”

Do you agree with the judges? Have your say in the People's Choice Award.

Plan your visit

How to book

Astronomy Photographer of the Year is free to visit in 2024 while essential roof maintenance is taking place in the National Maritime Museum.

You are still welcome to book free Museum tickets in advance to guarantee entry and receive updates before your visit.

Visiting the National Maritime Museum

Astronomy Photographer of the Year is located in a dedicated Photography Gallery inside the National Maritime Museum. Download a floor plan here.

The Museum is a short walk from the centre of Greenwich, with regular DLR, rail, bus and river services available.

Plan your visit to the National Maritime Museum

Getting here

Buy prints from the exhibition

From high quality prints to space and stargazing guides, visit our online shop to take home a piece of space history.

Shop the collection

Buy prints

Learn more about space and astronomy

The Royal Observatory is the historic centre of UK astronomy and home to London's only Planetarium.

The Observatory is just a short walk from Astronomy Photographer of the Year at the National Maritime Museum, so why not make the most of your day out in Greenwich and visit both places together? Find out more.

And if you've been inspired by any of the photos in this exhibition, don't miss the chance to expand your knowledge with one of the Royal Observatory's dedicated astronomy courses. There are courses to suit every level, from fascinating introductory courses to advanced astrophysics and astrophotography courses. Find out more

Enter the competition

Every year, photographers from across the globe compete to be part of the final exhibition and take home the prestigious title.

Photographers of all skill levels are invited to submit up to 10 images to the competition.

There are separate photography prizes open to adults, young photographers and astrophotography newcomers.

All entrants have a chance of winning cash prizes, seeing their image displayed in an exhibition at the National Maritime Museum, a year’s subscription to BBC Sky at Night magazine, and a copy of the Astronomy Photographer of the Year publication.

How to enter

Tickets and Opening

Free entry

13 September 2024 - July 2025

10am-5pm

  • Greenwich Station
  • Cutty Sark DLR
  • Maze Hill Station
  • Greenwich Pier

Never miss a shooting star

Sign up to our space newsletter for exclusive astronomy news, guides and events, and be ready to enter next year's competition

Exhibition partners

Main image: Gigantic Solar Prominence in Motion © Miguel Claro

Choose your tickets

Astronomy Photographer of the Year opens at the National Maritime Museum on Friday 13 September and is free for all visitors. Book Museum entry online in advance.

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