Amazing photos of space from Earth in Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition

THESE are just some of the awe-inspiring images of our universe which feature in this year’s Astronomy Photographer Of The Year competition.

The Journey © Javier Martinez Moran The Milky Way arcs over the Caldera de Taburiente National Park in La Palma, Spain. The lights from Tenerife, La Gomera and El Hierro island are also visible in the distance. The image is an 18-shot panorama. La Palma, Spain

THESE are just some of the beautiful and awe-inspiring images of our universe which feature in this year’s Astronomy Photographer Of The Year competition, run by the Royal Observatory Greenwich.

Astrophotographers, of both the fledgling and seasoned varieties, can still submit their photographs by April 14 (12pm UK time) for a chance to win the prestigious award.

The Horsehead Nebula © José Jiménez Priego Situated in the constellation of Orion approximately 1,500 light years from Earth is the Horsehead Nebula or Barnard 33. The appearance of its swirling cloud of dust and gases resembling a horse’s head when viewed from our planet has made it a popular target for astrophotographers and one of the most recognisable nebulae we know of. La Jonquera, Spain

The winner will take home the top prize of $AU18,530 (£10,000) and see their photograph take a place in the exhibition, which opens on September 17.

Monument Stars © Albert Dros Despite being taken during the Lunar Eclipse of 2015 the photographer actually didn't shoot the moon, but took the opportunity to capture the amazing dark sky that presented itself. Coming from a country (the Netherlands) with so much light pollution, this marked the first time the photographer had seen the Milky Way so clearly. The red glow in the sky is from the extraordinary atmosphere during the Lunar Eclipse, and the photographer remarked that it was, ‘An experience I will never forget.’ This shot is a panorama comprised of 3 vertical shots. Monument Valley, United States

Each entrant can submit up to 10 images.

For more information about the competition, visit www.rmg.co.uk.

Incredible photography: Out of this world

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