Samuel Sanders

Images of the sky, stars and galaxies have the ability to strike wonder and awe. The Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition captures that awe by showcasing some of the best images in astrophotography as amateur and professional photographers alike vie for a £10,000 ($13,000) grand prize. Now in its 16th year, the contest drew in more than 3,500 entries from photographers representing 58 countries this time around.

Images of the sky, stars and galaxies have the ability to strike wonder and awe. The Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition captures that awe by showcasing some of the best images in astrophotography as amateur and professional photographers alike vie for a £10,000 ($13,000) grand prize. Now in its 16th year, the contest drew in more than 3,500 entries from photographers representing 58 countries this time around.

The winning and highly commended underwater photography spotlights breathtaking animal behavior, conservation needs and the otherworldly environment of Earth’s oceans The vastness of the ocean evokes both wonder and mystery. And for centuries, photographers have been trying to capture its essence. Since the first underwater photography began in 1856, technology has evolved to allow divers to take breathtaking images that bring to life this unique ecosystem.