Ryan Imperio’s eclipse photograph has clinched the top prize in the prestigious Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition, which received over 3,500 entries from 58 countries.
Imperio was awarded the overall winner for his striking image of Baily’s beads captured during the 2023 annular eclipse. The Royal Observatory Greenwich, which hosts the annual competition, announced the winners on Thursday, highlighting Imperio’s exceptional skill in capturing this fleeting phenomenon.
Baily’s beads are formed when sunlight filters through the Moon’s valleys and craters during an eclipse, creating a series of broken light rings. “These are difficult to capture due to their short duration and the precise timing required,” the Royal Observatory noted.
“I am both thrilled and honored to have my photo recognized among such remarkable work,” said Imperio, who admitted he was surprised by the win.
This year’s competition showcased a wide range of stunning images, including those of the Aurora Australis and the International Space Station transiting the Sun. The winning photographs will be displayed in an exhibition at London’s National Maritime Museum, opening on Friday.
