The wonders of the sky in the camera frame; Look at the finalists of the Astronomical Photography Competition of the Year

In the annual “Astronomical Photographer of the Year” competition, organized by the Royal Greenwich Observatory, spectacular images of the universe are displayed. The competition, which is currently undergoing its seventeenth round, is aimed at capturing the beauties of the night sky and inspiration through art. It is said that this competition is a tribute to those who look to the sky and share what they see with the world.

This year more than 2.5 photos from 5 countries were sent to the competition, including images of colorful polar Aurora, galaxies and brilliant nebulae, stunning heavenly comets and landscapes. From the stunning sky of Yemen to a cave in Japan with the view of the Milky Way galaxy, any photo can be seen as a visual journey to the world.

The final winners of the competition will be announced on September 9 (September 1, 2009, and the selected works will be exhibited from September 9 at the National Maritime Museum of London. (Smithsonianmag)