From the crimson swirls of the Andromeda galaxy to the delicate dance of aurorae over Norway, this year’s shortlist for the ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year is a celestial feast. With over 4,000 entries from 66 countries, the selected images span telescopic deep-space captures and terrestrial nightscapes, blending scientific precision with artistic wonder.

Standouts include Evan McKay's moonrise at Cathedral Cove and a 14-year-old's view of Xiamen's 'dancing flames.' The competition opens at London's National Maritime Museum on September 17, with winners announced that day. For anyone who marvels at the night sky, this collection is pure visual inspiration.