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Every year, the Central West Astronomical Society (CWAS) of New South Wales celebrates AstroFest, a festival of astronomy during which amateur photographers and scientists from around the globe are invited to submit their best views of the night sky and beyond. This year, the overall prize was awarded to Stefan Buda for his tonal moonscape titled “The Lunar Apennines,” which captures a detailed view of Montes Apenninus.

Categories include Deep Sky, Solar System, Wide-Field, Nightscapes, and more, allowing photographers to contribute images of phenomena ranging from distant nebulae and spiral galaxies to the Milky Way and aurora australis, or the southern lights, shining above impressive terrestrial landscapes. A 2027 calendar featuring the winning images is available for purchase, and you can see the entire gallery of top shots on the award’s website.

Stefan Buda, “The Lunar Apennines.” Overall winner of the CWAS David Malin Award and winner of the Solar System category

Andy Campbell, “OED1 – Winged Sandals of Mercury.” Honorable mention in the Deep Sky category

Luke Tscharke, “Tasman Arc.” Honorable mention in the Nightscapes (International) category

Paul Montague, “NGC 1097 – A Barred Spiral with Jets.” Honorable mention in the Deep Sky category

Jarrod Rueff, “BRAN 56.” Honorable mention in the Deep Sky category

Luke Rasmussen, “The Wishing Tree.” Honorable mention in the Nightscapes (International) category

Andy Campbell, “The Rippling Flames – Chamaeleon III.” Winner of the Deep Sky category

Lucy Yunxi Hu, “Milky Way and Zodiacal Light.” Honorable mention in the Nightscapes (International) category

Brighton Seeley, “Zenith.” Winner of the Nightscapes (International) category

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