Astronomy Photographer of the Year

[mickw]

Not too shabby this year

http://www.rmg.co.uk/visit/exhibitions/astronomy-photographer-of-the-year/2012-winners/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-19637073

[Mike]

As usual, dominated by long exposure landscape photographs rather than astronomical images but the winning images are not too bad (despite some of them not exactly using equipment in the 'amateur' price range).

[Carole]

Good results, although I can't see how the Solar system winner was picked.

I wish they would hold a GB competition, we are at a distinct disadvantage to these countries with loads of dark clear skies.

Carole

[Mike]

Yeah I thought that myself that someone should sponsor a UK only competition and also using sensibly priced equipment. We would all have fantastic images using a 17" scope on a Paramount ME from a super dark site like one winner!!   :S

[RobertM]

I thoroughly agree about a UK only competition where the images were captured under UK skies but not so about the equipment.  There are some circumstances where a 17" RC on a ME might be one of the few choices for certain shots but you certainly don't need that kit to produce wonderful images.  Lot's of people even in this society have the kit and knowledge to do that, we only lack the clear nights and dark sky opportunities that others take for granted.

Robert