Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.These stunning images from this year's Astronomy Photographer of the Year, run by the Royal Observatory Greenwich in association with Sky at Night Magazine, were taken by seasoned astro-photographers and complete beginners from around the world.
The candidates were invited to enter their photographs in four categories - Earth and Space, Our Solar System, Deep Space, and Young Astronomy Photographer of the Year
Australian based photographer Martin Pugh claimed the top prize. He also won the accolade in 2009. As well as securing the £1,500 top prize, his image takes pride of place in the exhibition of winning photographs.
Click HERE to view the awe-inspiring images
The competition once again received a record number of entries with a huge range of subjects captured by amateur and professional photographers from around the globe. The Sky at Night’s Sir Patrick Moore, who is a judge in the competition, said of this year’s contest: "Many of the pictures have been taken with equipment that was out of the range of the amateur many years ago. I also like the choice of subjects: photographing people and the night skies is very difficult. The entrants have done very well indeed."
Astronomy Photographer of the Year is now in its fourth year. The best of these exceptional photographs – winners, runners-up or highly commended in the competition’s different categories and special prizes – are showcased in a free exhibition in the Royal Observatory’s Astronomy Centre which is open to the public from 20 September 2012 until February 2013.
Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2012, 20 September 2012 – 17 February 2013, The Royal Observatory Greenwich, London, www.rmg.co.uk/astrophoto
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments