The Category Winners
Judged by Dr David Malin, Peter Ward, Alex Cherney, and Selena Simpson
Judged by Dr David Malin, Peter Ward, Alex Cherney, and Selena Simpson
OVERALL WINNER
Jar
Jarrod Koh
"The Region around Rho Ophiuchi"
Winner: Wide-Field
Winner: Wide-Field
Citation: “A colourful and deep exposure of the Rho Ophiuchi invites the viewer to take a closer look. Highly resolved stars with beautiful colour variation, bright and dark nebulae with excellent contrast, detail and colour balance that is simply outstanding”
Jarrod
Jarrod Koh
"The Cosmic Bat Nebula - LDN 43"
Winner: Deep Sky
Winner: Deep Sky
Citation: “This perfectly framed small, dark and remarkably dramatic nebula, showed technical excellence and nuance that impressed all the judges. The technically difficult narrow field showcased pristine star profiles with accurate and natural colour. A well-deserved winner!”
Alex van Harmelen
"Skógafoss Disco"
Winner: Nightscapes
Winner: Nightscapes
Citation: “'Skógafoss Disco' captures a stunning display of aurora colours set against the beautiful landscape near the famous Skógafoss waterfall. The vibrant colours of Aurora Borealis and dynamic composition showcase the natural beauty and drama of the Icelandic landscape under the night sky.”
Andy Casely
"Detachment"
Winner: Solar System
Winner: Solar System
Citation: “Due to their unpredictable nature, massive solar prominences are not easy objects to capture. It requires patience and skill. Yet this dynamic and powerful image of our Sun brilliantly captures both its fine and large-scale structures that exist on a scale that dwarf our entire planet.”
Ed Hurst
"Kaleidoscope"
Winner: Theme - "Working with Light in the Night"
Winner: Theme - "Working with Light in the Night"
Citation: “A vibrant image capturing the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge illuminated by the colourful lights of the Vivid Festival, beautifully intersecting with star trails in the night sky. This engaging composition creates a true kaleidoscope effect, blending the artificial lights of the city with the natural beauty of the star trails, showcasing the photographer's ability to creatively combine incidental artificial sources of light with the night sky.”
Kelvin Hennessy
"Rho Ophiuchi"
Winner: Smartphone Astrophotography
Winner: Smartphone Astrophotography
Citation: A skilfully captured image of the Rho Ophiuchi region using only a smartphone as the imaging instrument. The image beautifully showcases the delicate colours of reflection nebulosity and well-defined interstellar dust, highlighting the astrophotographer’s expertise and the capabilities of modern smartphone cameras.”
Lachlan Wilson
"Rainbow Prawn"
Winner: Junior
Winner: Junior
Citation: “A skilfully captured and processed narrowband image of the Prawn Nebula region. The image is well executed, showcasing the vibrant colours and intricate details of this beautiful nebula.”
Andy Casely
"On the Edge of the Sun"
Winner: Animated Sequences
Winner: Animated Sequences
Citation: “'On the Edge of the Sun' features a high-magnification animation of active regions on the solar limb, highlighting striking solar prominences, eruptions, and coronal loops. Patiently captured across multiple imaging sessions and well-presented, the animation showcases the dynamic activity of the Sun's surface with exceptional detail.”
Matt Davis
"The Cave"
Winner: Photo Editor's Choice
Winner: Photo Editor's Choice
Citation: “A simply stunning image! Unique in composition and balance, and can be appreciated by all for its astronomical elements as much for its stunning beauty.”