A Celestial Spectacle: ISS Photo Crowned Winner at APOTY 2025
This year's Astronomy Photography of the Year (APOTY) competition has delivered a truly out-of-this-world image, with Tom Williams' stunning capture of the International Space Station (ISS) against the lunar backdrop taking home the coveted prize in the ISS category.
A Moment Frozen in Time
The winning photograph, taken on October 27th, showcases the ISS in a remarkably close pass with the cratered surface of Earth's Moon. The detail and composition of the image are simply spectacular, offering a rare glimpse of human ingenuity juxtaposed with the raw beauty of our celestial neighbor.
The Technology Behind the Shot
Williams achieved this incredible feat using a Sky Watcher 400P GoTo Dobsonian telescope. The shot was made possible with an astronomy camera and an astonishingly short exposure time of just 1.5 milliseconds. This precision and technical skill are evident in the crispness and clarity of the final image, capturing the ISS as a distinct, recognizable silhouette against the illuminated lunar disc.
This award-winning photograph is a testament to the dedication and passion of astrophotographers worldwide, pushing the boundaries of what's possible to share the wonders of space with us all.
