If you’re fascinated by majestic celestial bodies and the vastness of the universe, you ought to know about the annual Insight Investment Astronomy Photographer of the Year contest. Run by Royal Observatory Greenwich each year, the competition is the place to view the artistry found in our sky. Thousands of photographs were submitted across all 11 categories and the now 2020 shortlist has finally been revealed.
Each of the photographs you’re about to see is unique, which showcases the diversity of astrophotography. From vibrant photos of the Northern lights to incredible snaps of the sun. “Astrophotography bridges the gap between art and science, highlighting the natural beauty of our Universe. The goal of the Insight Investment Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition is to use these powerful photographs of space to engage the public with the big questions science is trying to answer, from the inner workings of a galaxy to how our Solar System came to be,” said the judge and astronomer Dr. Emily Drabek-Maunder.
The winners of the Insight Investment Astronomy Photographer of the Year contest will be announced on September 10, 2020. Here are the highlights of the shortlist.















This Japanese Village Holds an Annual Rice Art Festival!
Learn all about Tambo Āto, the Japanese art of rice paddy paintings
These Stunning Spots Around the World Deserve Recognition
If you still need proof that planet Earth is stunning, take a look at these incredible displays of beauty around the world
The Best Northern Lights Photographs of the Year Revealed
These magical images prove that nothing can be compared to the beauty of the Northern Lights!
Best Photo of 2020 Contest: 16 Awe-Striking Photographs
The Best Photo of 2020 is Agora's biggest photography contest to date, and the photographs that made it to the finals are absolutely incredible
Aerial View of World's Largest Airplane Graveyard
Aerial photos show patterns we wouldn't notice otherwise!
22 Thought Provoking Winners of Budapest Foto Awards
The Budapest International Foto Awards just published their winners, and the photographs are so thought-provoking and unique, they truly speak for themselves.
When Jack-o’-Lanterns Became Works of Art (15 Pics)
Get inspired by these unbelievably creative Halloween pumpkins.
Gallery: 2024 Northern Lights Photographer of the Year
Check out the jaw-dropping photos of 2024 Northern Lights Photographer of the Year.
19 Pictures That Prove Your Eyes and Brain Are Lying to You
Each of these 19 pictures will cause you to linger in front of it for a few seconds trying to figure out what it is that’s really going on in them!
These Buildings Blend In So Well, You Might Miss Them...
The architectural design of these places will baffle you!
20 Magical Pics Capturing the Charm of Childhood
Photographer Iwona Podlasinska takes cozy and magical photos to depict the charm of childhood.
15 Stunning Winning Shots from Nikon's Small World Contest
Check out the fascinating winning entries from the 2024 Nikon Small World Photomicrography Competition.
4:58
This is How the World's Very First Subway Was Built!
Ever wondered how the world's very first subway system was built? This TED-Ed video reveals all!
This Photographer Shows Us the Parts of Asia We Rarely See
This Japanese photographer Ryosuke Kosuge shows us the parts of Asia most people in the West rarely get to see...
15 Photos That Capture the Magic and Beauty of Motion
Here is a look at the winners of the International Photo Contest that celebrates the art of movement.
20 Pictures that Show How the World Changed over 100 Years
A gallery of bizarre, nostalgic or unique black and white pictures
15 Unique Business Cards That Left a Lasting Impression
Now that's how you make a business card!
This Photographer Creates Uniquely Magical Illusions
Sometimes perspective is everything in photography and can completely change the way you look at something. Check out these photos.
You Won't See Photos Like THESE Every Day!
Each of these images captures a rare moment or something you wouldn’t normally encounter.
16:41
Dialect Coach Checks If Star Actors Can Shed Their Accents
How hard is it for actors to fake an accent in a specific role? Language coach Erik Singer explains this on 32 examples from famous films.
5:09
What Does Your Home Say About You?
Your home can say a whole lot about your state of mind, so make sure you furnish it to the best of your ability!
15 Historical Photographs Very Few Have Seen
This collection of fantastic historical photos will leave you intrigued.
These Unconventional Buildings Will Make You Look Twice!
You haven't seen such bizarre buildings before!
These Historical Building Restorations Only Did More Harm
The restoration projects of these historical buildings didn't go according to plan, it seems, and these 12 buildings were transformed beyond belief...
This National Geographic Contest Winners are Spectacular
National Geographic is synonymous with outstanding photography, and its awards are no exception. Take a look at the best National Geographic photos of 2018.
See WWII Naval Staff In Full, Beautiful Color
It's always nice to see vintage photos, but there are special. Take a look at life at the Corpus Christi Naval Air Station prior to US involvement in WWII.
Feast Your Eyes on 10 of the World's Most Amazing Palaces
From Asia to Europe, here are 10 majestic palaces that will captive you with their architectural styles.
10:05
This Skyscraper Will be the Tallest Garden in the World
This Australian skyscraper in the city of Melbourne will soon become the tallest vertical garden in the world!
Check Out 20 of the Strangest Buildings Ever Constructed
If you love exploring the architecture of the world, then you're in for a real treat, since this post explores the world's weirdest buildings...
100-Year-Old Colored Photos That Make History Feel Real
These vintage color photos are absolutely mesmerizing.
The Children of London 70 Years Ago – 16 Captivating Pics
Enjoy these fascinating vintage pictures of children on the streets of London by the late photographer Thurston Hopkins.
Wow, You Don't See THIS On a Regular Day...
Each one of these photographs has a whole story behind it, and each is more extraordinary than the last. This photo collection brings together some rare and unusual sights that you probably haven't seen before!
What Life Looked Like in 1890: 16 Fascinating Photos
Let’s explore the world looked like in 1890 through 16 fascinating photos.
These 9 Pricey Castles Would Make the Most Amazing Homes
Who wouldn't love to live in one of these 9 for sale castles? Well, you can dream, can't you?!
The Charm of the Faroe Islands in 12 Stunning Photos
Are you familiar with the Faroe Islands? The natural beauty of this European archipelago is often compared to that of Iceland.
Captivating Photos Capturing Beauty in Everyday Moments
Looking at the impressive lighting and compositions of Myanmar Based photographer Zay Yar Lin, you wouldn't believe he is self taught.
17 Creative Ways Old Buildings Found New Lives
These repurposed buildings will surprise you.
Native Americans: Striking Vintage Pics from a Century Ago
For over 30 years, Edward S. Curtis has documented the life of Native Americans. Here are some of his rare portraits
14 Magnificent Examples of American Architecture
Here are 14 photos that will showcase the marvels of American architecture.
What Did the Romans Ever Build for Us? This, This, This...
Take our tour of the Roman Empire's most magnificent ruined structures. Just how did they achieve so much!
Vintage Photos of the Real Wild West - 16 Rare Pics
These 16 remarkable photographs reveal increasingly surprising glimpses into authentic Wild West life.
Bizarre Architecture: 12 of the Weirdest Buildings
These are some of the most unusual buildings in the world.
12 Deceptive Photos That Will Really Mess With Your Mind
These misleading photos will mess with your mind and make you look twice...
13 Examples of How Angles Can Make Any Photo Confusing
These pictures may appear confusing to you at first glance. But there's a reason for it...
These Tricky Photos Will Have You Do a Double Take
Look closely at these tricky photos or you will be left confused.
Rediscover History With 17 Rare and Surprising Images
We all learned a great deal about the events that shaped the world but some things are hard to really understand from a textbook...
These Old Photos Reveal a Good Deal About the 19th Century
Witness the history of the 19th Century as you never have before, with this powerful collection of early photographs.
To enable your Ad-Free Subscription, please fill the fields below
Your subscription was successful, now you can enjoy an ad-free experience!! Note: To make sure you get no ads, please make sure to log in to your account. If you are logged in already, then refresh the page. The subscription can be cancelled at any time.