Stunning images of lunar eclipses, distant galaxies and dancing auroras are among the entries for the 2015 Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition.
A selection of images, picked as early favourites by celebrity judge and amateur astronomer Jon Culshaw, have been teased ahead of the winners being announced in September.
Now in its seventh year the annual competition calls for images in nine categories from skyscapes to aurorae, images of our Sun and Moon, planets, asteroids, comets and distant stars, galaxies and nebulae. "I have marvelled at the incredible images entered into the competition in previous years," said Culshaw, a self-professed astronomy enthusiast and well-known impersonator. "I'm thrilled and honoured to be on the judging panel for 2015. These photos give you the feeling of exploring the Universe without a Tardis."
The winning images will be showcased at an annual free exhibition at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London from 18 September 2015. This year the competition has attracted over 2,700 images from 60 countries, more than ever before.
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
