The subject of the photograph must be the night sky. This can include astronomical objects, celestial events and areas of the night sky. Landscape or other forms can be included. This category does not include images taken through telescopes.
Winner Astrophotography
Mungo
Jason Perry, Victoria
Mungo is dominated by ancient lake beds that dried up close to 18,000 years ago. Wind and water have since created the crescent-shaped landforms called lunettes that you see in this image.
The lunette is incredibly beautiful in daylight, but there is something special about seeing it under the light of the cosmos that made capturing this moment even more special.
Judges' comments
This is a spiritual, otherworldly photograph. A beautiful composition using the shapes of the land to draw us deep into the sky, with the moon catching the eye and drawing us deeper into the image.
Runner Up Astrophotography
Chasing The Aurora Australis
Jiayuan Liang, South Australia
This photo was taken during a special flight dedicated to chase the Aurora Australis above the Southern Ocean.
When the Milky Way entered the same frame as the Aurora Australis, it was the best light show of the year for me.
Judges' comments
In this unique view of the aurora, the photographer has boldly chosen to leave the wing in frame and the reflection it offers brings the composition back to a viewer’s perspective, giving us a sense of time and place. A strong piece of visual communication.