Northumberland hosts world’s top space photography exhibition
At a time when Northumberland’s dark skies are at their best, a new display reflects the wonders of the heavens. Tony Henderson goes for a gaze
A heavenly exhibition in Northumberland will offer the only chance currently to view the display outside London.
The spectacular collection of images from the world’s leading astrophotography competition is set to go on show at The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre in Northumberland National Park from Saturday (November 15).
Curated by Royal Museums Greenwich, and in association with BBC Sky at Night Magazine, the Astronomy Photographer of the Year 16 exhibition features 31 breathtaking images, including prize-winning entries and commended works.
Previously shown only at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, the Northumberland Centre exhibition is currently its sole venue in the North of England.
Among the highlights is the overall winning image by Ryan Imperio, Distorted Shadows of the Moon’s Surface Created by an Annular Eclipse, which captures the fleeting phenomenon of Baily’s Beads during the 2023 annular eclipse.
These beads appear when sunlight shines through the Moon’s valleys and craters, briefly breaking the eclipse’s ring pattern — a rare and technically challenging moment to photograph.
The exhibition showcases the diversity of astrophotography, with images captured using high-spec telescopes and cameras. Each photograph reflects the creativity, skill, and passion of the global astrophotography community.
Sarah Burn, head of engagement at Northumberland National Park Authority, said: “Northumberland National Park is renowned for the exceptional darkness of its skies, making it the perfect setting to celebrate the very best in astrophotography.
“It’s fitting that we’re showcasing images that rely on dark skies to reveal the wonders of the universe right here in one of Britain’s largest gold-tier International Dark Sky Parks.”
The 2024 competition attracted nearly 3,500 entries from 58 countries. An international panel of judges reviewed submissions anonymously, awarding prizes across eight themed categories.
The Young competition recognised exceptional talent under the age of 16, while two special prizes - the Sir Patrick Moore Prize for Best Newcomer and the Annie Maunder Prize for Image Innovation - celebrated fresh perspectives and creative use of astronomical data.
Best Newcomer was won by Xin Feng and Miao Gong of China for their photo SH2-308: The Dolphin Head Nebula (above), and the Annie Maunder Prize for Image Innovation was won by Sergio Díaz Ruiz of Spain for Anatomy of a Habitable Planet.
The Astronomy Photographer of the Year 16 exhibition is free to view and will be on display at The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre until March.