Heavenly Bodies: Best Space Photos of 2013

The Royal Observatory in Greenwich, UK, has held its fifth competition for the best photographs of stars, planets, galaxies and other celestial highlights. Over 1,200 entries were submitted from photographers all over the world, the Royal Observatory said on its website. The winning entries are currently on display at the observatory.
Photo: “Guiding Light to the Stars” by Mark Gee (Australia) is the winner in the Earth and Space category. The photo shows a spectacular view of the Milky Way arching over the coast of New Zealand’s North Island.

“Moon Silhouettes” by Mark Gee (Australia) is the winner in the People and Space category. The photo shows people on Mount Victoria Lookout in Wellington, New Zealand, silhouetted against a rising moon.

“Celestial Impasto: sh2–239” by Adam Block (US) is the winner in the Deep Space category. The photo of a nebula was taken with 15-hours total exposure.

Corona Composite of 2012: “Australian Totality” by Man-To Hui (China) is the winner in the Our Solar System category.

“The Milky Way Galaxy” by Jacob Marchio (US), aged 14, is the winner in the Young Astronomy Photographer category.

“Venus Transit, Foxhunter’s Grave, Welsh Highlands” by Sam Cornwell (UK) is the winner in the Best Newcomer category. The image shows the transit of Venus, one of the astronomical highlights of 2012.

“The Trapezium Cluster and Surrounding Nebulae” by László Francsics (Hungary) is the winner in the Robotic Scope category.