Sky-Watcher Australia Astrophotographer of the Year 2025

Celebrating the Best of the Southern Night Sky

As we wrap up another awe-inspiring year under the stars, we extend heartfelt thanks to our judges — Trevor Jones, Jakob, Adrien Mauduit, and Terry Lovejoy — for sharing their experience and passion with the community.

To everyone who entered: thank you. Whether you are a seasoned imager or just beginning your journey, your work continues to showcase the remarkable skies of Australia and New Zealand. If you did not take home a prize this year, keep going — the Universe never stops offering new wonders to capture.

Meet the Judges

Trevor Jones, Jakob, Adrien Mauduit, and Terry Lovejoy brought decades of astrophotography experience to this year's panel.

Regional Pride

Entries spanned Australia and New Zealand, with aurora hunters, deep-space imagers, solar specialists, and nightscape storytellers represented in equal measure.

Why It Matters

The competition celebrates perseverance, creativity, and technical excellence—proof that our community continues to push what is possible from home observatories and field expeditions.

2025 Overall Winner

Greg England

"Into the Spider's Web"

Location
Coningham, Tasmania
Telescope
190/1000 Maksutov Newtonian
Mount
Sky-Watcher EQ8
Camera
ZWO 2600MM

"Close-up image of a section of the Vela Supernova Remnant. 50 × O III subs (300 s) and 58 × H α subs (300 s)."

Congratulations, Greg, on taking out the Overall Title for 2025 — a stunningly detailed and balanced capture of the Vela Supernova Remnant that perfectly represents the spirit of deep-sky exploration.

Deep Space Winner

Richard Muhlack

"The Spanish Dancer"

Location
Strathalbyn, SA
Telescope
Sky-Watcher 200/1000 Black Diamond Reflector
Mount
NEQ6
Camera
QHY294C Pro
Judge Trevor Jones: "The dedication to revealing every ounce of detail in this gorgeous spiral galaxy is evident. The image is tastefully processed without going overboard. These are the types of images you get lost in."

Silver Deep Space Entries

Bronze Deep Space Entries

Nightscape Winner

Max Inwood

"Nightfall on the Burnetts"

Location
Tasman Valley, New Zealand
Camera
Canon 6D
Lens
Sigma 28 mm f/2
Exposure
30 s @ ISO 3200
Judge's Comments: "A technically flawless, beautifully colour-balanced, and highly detailed capture that many astrophotographers can only dream of achieving."

Silver Nightscape Entries

Bronze Nightscape Entries

Aurora Winner

Tom Rae

"Sky Fire"

Location
Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, NZ
Camera
Nikon Z6a
Lens
Sigma 28 mm F 1.4 Art
Mount
iOptron SkyGuider Pro
Judge Adrien Mauduit: "An absolutely breathtaking image — from the composition and colours to the Milky Way arch and aurora. One of the most awe-inspiring and inspirational images in astrophotography history. Well deserved first place!"

Silver Aurora Entries

Bronze Aurora Entries

Solar System Winner

Richard Jones

"Sunspot and Surrounding Plage"

Location
Bulli, NSW
Telescope
Sky-Watcher Evostar 120ED
Mount
NEQ6 Pro
Camera
ASI432MM
Judge Terry Lovejoy: "Well done on capturing this much detail on the sun! These types of images are absolutely fascinating."

Silver Solar System Entries

Bronze Solar System Entries

A Big Thank You

To everyone who entered, judged, and supported this year's competition — you make our community so special. We cannot wait to see what you capture for the 2026 Sky-Watcher Australia Astrophotographer of the Year.

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Sky-Watcher Australia
Proudly supporting astrophotographers across Australia and New Zealand.
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