The best pictures of space according to the Astronomy Photographer 2019 contest

Shots of space are always breathtaking, because looking at them, you realize how vast and amazing our universe is. The Greenwich Royal Observatory in the UK has determined the winners of the annual Astronomy Photographer 2019 competition. This year 4602 photographers from 90 different countries of the world applied for participation. We offer you a look at the best space footage.

The moon and its shadows © László Francsics

This frame belongs to the Hungarian photographer László Francsics. He was recognized as the winner and received the title of "Astronomical Photographer of the Year 2019". Its charming image conveys 35 phases of the total lunar eclipse that occurred on January 21, 2019.

Aurora is a bird © Alexander Stepanenko

Deep in the heart of Mordor © Andrew Campbell

Ben, Floyd and the Core © Ben Bush

This frame won in the nomination "People and Space". A dog named Floyd, together with the owner, became part of this fantastic species.

Flower Power © Brandon Yoshizawa

The author of the picture said that the photo shows a hot exhaust from a rocket taking off, which comes into contact with cold air and turns into a beautiful white bud.

Small fireworks © Alan Friedman

The picture shows the Sun as it is very rarely seen. Some viewers said that the frame looks more like an image taken through a microscope rather than a telescope. The picture was called an alternative view of the Sun.

Heavenly lace Napkin © Josep Drudis

Andromeda Galaxy © Raul Villaverde Fraile

The halo around the galaxy just shines. The photographer managed to capture the details clearly, paying attention to the Andromeda core.

Space Gas Complex Ngc 7822 Devil's Head © László Bagi

Sh2-308 Dolphin Head © Tian Lee

To the Flying Aurora © Zhijun Yan

Through the Sky of History © Wang Zheng

Winner in the category Skyscapes. The jury members were struck by the realistic quality of this image.

Sky in Deadvlei (Dead Valley), Namibia © Stefan Liebermann

Aurora as a Phoenix © Wang Zheng

Mineral Moon — the quadrangle of Aristarchus © Alain Paillou

Above the Tower © Sam King

Photo "Above the Tower" by Sam King received the second place in the nomination "People and Space".

Blood-born © Keijo Laitala

Keijo Laital's photo won the Sir Patrick Moore Prize for the best work among newcomers.

Aurora outside the tiny cave © Sutie Yang

The curtain in the form of a horse's head © Bob Franke

Bob Franke's frame won the second place in the category "Stars and Nebulae".

The homeland of the aborigines of Vorimi © Jay Evans

A picture of the moon "Sunlight against the Earth's radiance" © László Francsics

Nebula Statue of Liberty © Ignacio Diaz Bobillo

This shot by photographer Ignacio Diaz Bobillo became the winner in the nomination "Star and Nebula".

The sun — atmospheric details © rmg.co.uk

The jury highly appreciated the work of Jason Hansel.

Galactic Lighthouse © Ruslan Merzlyakov

Elegant elephant trunk © Lluís Romero Ventura

Perseid Fireball-2018 © Zhengye Tang

Zheng Tang's "Fireball" also won a special Sir Patrick Moore Award for Best Newcomer.

The Hubble Space Telescope passes through the moon between the lunar cross and the lunar V © Michael Marston

The Fiery Lobster Nebula © Suavi Lipinski

Hydrogen sculptures in the Magellan Cloud © Ignacio Diaz Bobillo

The author of the picture Ignacio Diaz Bo took the third place in the nomination "Galaxy".

Active zone Ar12714 © Gabriel Corban

Gabriel Korban was awarded for the "Active Zone" for the third place in the nomination "Our Sun".

The Horsehead Nebula © Rob Mogford

Rob Mogford won the Sir Patrick Moore Prize for Best Newcomer.

The Running Man Nebula © Steven Mohr

Black Saturn © Martin Lewis

The Tarantula Nebula Ngc 2070 © Thomas Klemmer

Observer © Nicolai Brügger

Among the aurors, this photo of Nikolai Brugger is recognized as the best.

Lasers and Mars © Sean Goebel