As astronomical sights go, few can match the awe-inspiring brilliance of the aurorae; they stand apart as stunning displays of shimmering light visible without any visual aid or device. Charged particles from the Sun, caught by our planet’s magnetic field, crash into the atmosphere, releasing an ethereal glow that illuminates the night sky. While aurorae are possible to see with relative ease, it doesn’t make capturing them in their full brilliance any simpler. They are wildly unpredictable, often giving little warning of their arrival. They are often seen from only narrow strips of our planet, making access limited, and the range of brightness, colour and movement present a unique set of challenges to those looking to photograph them in all their glory. As always, however, the photographers in this year’s competition have made the complex look easy. Stunning displays of green and blue light cover these digital canvasses. Their vivid patterns come to life against the still, frozen foregrounds, their ghostly shapes dance across the sky, and with these images, once again, the ever-present link between our nearest star and our planet is plain to see. Learn more about the winning image and explore the full shortlist below. Visit Astronomy Photographer of the Year Image The winning image Brushstroke by Monika Deviat Taken in Utsjoki, Lapland, Finland, 8 January 2022 "This photograph is an aurora abstract. I focused on this structure as it looked like a painter’s brushstroke across a canvas. It’s not the usual corona or big nightscape scene, but I thought it was a unique and beautiful shape with the feathered ends. I pointed the camera almost straight up to capture this formation," explains Monika. Equipment used: Nikon D850 camera, 14 mm f/2.8, ISO 3200, 4-second exposure The judging panel loved the elegant simplicity of this abstract image. We are accustomed to seeing aurora from an earthly perspective with mountains, trees and humanmade structures framing the dancing lights. This photograph offers something different, showcasing the beauty of the aurora in isolation. The composition evokes the arts of brush-painting and calligraphy, which are practiced in many cultures around the world. Katherine Gazzard, competition judge Behind the lens Discover more about Monika Deviat: dancer, educator, heavy metal fan and astrophotographer based in Canada. Image Runner-Up Circle of Light by Andreas Ettl Taken in Flakstad, Lofoten Islands, Norway, 20 February 2023 "After weeks of cloudy nights, we were finally lucky enough to experience a very vivid aurora over Skagsanden beach. It was so strong that it almost felt like you could grab it with both hands. The way it formed over Hustinden mountain, coupled with the reflection on the beach, gives the impression that you are just one step away from entering the aurora circle," Andreas says. Equipment used: Nikon Z7 camera, 15 mm f/2.8, ISO 1000, 8-second exposure Image Highly commended Fire on the Horizon by Chester Hall-Fernandez Taken in Birdlings Flat, Canterbury, New Zealand, 27 February 2023 "Very recently we were lucky enough to witness one of the strongest solar storms seen in at least a decade, which caused powerful aurora around the globe. New Zealand sees regular aurora, but due to its distance from the magnetic pole, many of them are faint and colourless in the sky. However, on this night the aurora was highly structured with visible colour lighting up the sky," says Chester. "Originally, I was not prepared to go out and photograph it that night with the Moon and cloud cover imminent. Thankfully, a close friend convinced me to go, and I am very glad they did. The clouds held off long enough and the aurora was bright enough that it was clearly visible without the moonlight." Equipment used: Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 telescope, Nikon Z6 (Astro modified) camera, 14 mm f/1.8, ISO 1600, 15-second exposure Never miss a shooting star Sign up to our space newsletter for exclusive astronomy news, guides and events. Sign up See the full shortlist Explore all the photographs in the Aurorae category. Image Aurora Over the Great Pollet Sea Arch by Brendan Alexander Great Pollet Sea Arch, Fanad Peninsula, County Donegal, Ireland, 27 February 2023 Image Bridge Over Troubled Water by Jeffrey Wall Forsmo, Västernorrland, Sweden, 3 September 2022 Image Butterfly by Vincent Beudez Tromsø, Troms og Finnmark, Hålogaland, Norway, 26 March 2022 Image Curtain of Light by Andreas Ettl Hamnøy, Lofoten Islands, Norway, 20 February 2023 Image Dancing Waterfall by Lukáš Veselý Gullfoss Waterfall, Iceland, 26 September 2022 Image When the Sun Dances With the Moon by Filip Hrebenda Arnarstapi, Snæfellsbær, Iceland, 17 September 2022 Image Green Snakes by Filip Hrebenda Vikten beach, Lofoten Islands, Norway, 18 February 2023 Image Arctic Gates by Daniel Viñé Garcia Arctic Henge, Raufarhöfn, Iceland, 27 March 2022 Image Emerald Roots by Lorenzo Ranieri Tenti Vestrahorn, Stokksnes, Iceland, 19 October 2022 Image The Northern Moonlight by Yannick Legodec Skógafoss, Skógar, Iceland, 20 August 2022 Image The Green Glow by Peter Hoszang Vestrahorn, Stokksnes, Iceland, 16 January and 20 February 2023 Exhibition Astronomy Photographer of the Year exhibition See the world's greatest space photography at the National Maritime Museum Visit now Shop Astronomy Photographer of the Year Photography Book Collection 12 £30.00 Astronomy Photographer of the Year Collection 12 is a stunning gift for admirers of astrophotography. This stunning astronomy photography book showcases the most spectacular space photography, taken from locations across the globe... Buy Now Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2023 winners revealed See the spectacular winning images from Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2023, and find out who has been named the overall winner Our partners