An American photographer has been crowned Astrophotographer of the Year for 2025, capturing the top honor with a breathtaking 51-hour deep field image of the Squid Nebula. Ani Shastri from the United States won the prestigious award in a competition that drew 545 entries from 35 countries, showcasing the rapidly growing popularity of astrophotography worldwide.
Astrophotography has experienced tremendous growth in recent years, driven by better and more affordable equipment, advanced computer control systems, and increased public interest in exploring the night sky. Photographers in this field create diverse types of images, from nightscape landscapes to detailed captures of planets, nebulae, and galaxies. The expanding accessibility of professional-grade equipment has allowed more enthusiasts to pursue this challenging but rewarding form of photography.
Shastri's award-winning photograph was captured from Auberry, California, representing an extraordinary 51 and a half hours of total exposure time collected over multiple nights. He utilized a remote observatory setup, where photographers can book time on large professional-grade telescopes and operate them remotely from their computers at home. For this remarkable image, Shastri employed a PlaneWave CDK350 telescope paired with a ZWO ASI6200MM camera to photograph SH2-129, commonly known as the Squid Nebula.
The 2025 Astrophotography Prize featured a unique judging process, with live public evaluation conducted by an international panel of 20 experts. This transparent approach allowed the photography community to witness the selection process firsthand. The competition attracted participants from around the globe, with category winners emerging from Italy, Australia, and other countries beyond the United States.
Among the other notable winners was Dan Bartlett, who captured a stunning image of Comet 12P Pons-Brooks from June Lake, California. Bartlett used a Celestron C14 telescope combined with a Starizona adaptor to achieve a wide field of view for his comet photograph. Another standout entry came from Matteo Strassera, who created an impressive 360-degree panorama showcasing the Milky Way's arch stretching across the sky above the volcanic landscape of Tenerife in the Canary Islands. Strassera accomplished this feat using a Canon R5 camera with a Sigma 14mm f/1.4 Art lens.
The recognition of these photographers serves as inspiration for others to explore astrophotography. Experts note that almost any DSLR camera paired with a fast lens and access to dark skies can produce superb images, making this art form more accessible than many people realize. The winning images demonstrate the incredible beauty and complexity of our universe that can be captured through dedication, skill, and patience.
The complete collection of winning images is available for viewing online, offering viewers the opportunity to be amazed, humbled, and inspired by the artistic and technical achievements of these talented astrophotographers. These awards continue to highlight the intersection of technology, artistry, and scientific exploration that defines modern astrophotography.
