The Royal Museums Greenwich in London has recently announced the finalists for the 2021 Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition. This prestigious astrophotography contest, which has been held for 13 years, received an overwhelming response with over 4,500 entries from 75 countries worldwide.

A panel of esteemed judges, including Steve Marsh, the Arts Editor of the BBC's Night Sky magazine, Joan Culshaw, a comedian, and avid amateur astronomer, as well as other experts from the fields of art and astronomy, had the challenging task of selecting the shortlisted photographers.

Let's take a closer look at some of the works by these talented photographers:

The Dolphin Head Nebula - Photographer: Yovin Yahathhugoda

This captivating photograph is one of the photographer's personal favorites. It vividly depicts how interstellar winds and forces create mesmerizing cosmic bubbles in the depths of outer space. At the center of the nebula, the bright star resembling a dolphin's head is a Wolf-Rayet star.

Iceland Aurora - Photographer: Vitaliy Novikov

In this image taken in January 2020, the ethereal beauty of the Aurora lights illuminates Iceland. Photographer Vitaliy Novikov patiently waited for a strong solar flare to capture the aurora against the backdrop of city lights, resulting in a mesmerizing composition.

Amity - Photographer: Stefan Liebermann

This stunning image showcases the contrast between the stars of the Milky Way and the lavender fields of Valen sole, France.

Photographer Stefan Liebermann skillfully separates the foreground of breezy lavender from the night sky, utilizing long exposures to capture the intricate details of the Milky Way's beauty.

Star Explorers - Photographer: Caroline Simmons

This photograph captures the sense of awe and mystery as a person explores under a star-filled sky.

The juxtaposition of the stunning nebula and twinkling stars against the subject's pose highlights the grandeur of the universe during the nighttime. It serves as a reminder of the vastness that lies beyond our world.

Rainbow Night After the Rain - Photographer: Maria Rodriguez

In this rare and enchanting sight, the photographer captures the intersection of a vibrant rainbow and a starry night sky after rainfall. This composition evokes a sense of wonder, showcasing the beauty of nature and the awe-inspiring wonders of the universe.

Interstellar Promenade - Photographer: Hiroshi Tanaka

This photograph depicts the serene beauty of the starry sky beneath the iconic Mount Fuji in Japan.

Hiroshi Tanaka expertly utilizes long exposures to capture the abundance of stars and the vibrant colors of the Milky Way. The harmonious blend of starlight, mountains, and trees creates a truly breathtaking and awe-inspiring scene.

These extraordinary works of art showcase the creativity and technical prowess of Astro photographers in capturing the breathtaking beauty of the universe. Through their lens, we are transported to the realms beyond, inspiring our curiosity and igniting our passion for exploration.

The Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition serves as a platform to celebrate the wonder of the cosmos and to encourage astronomers, photographers, and the public to appreciate the sheer magnificence of the night sky, the marvels of science, and the boundless beauty of the universe.