http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/picture-galleries/8000359/Astronomy-Photographer-of-the-Year-competition-photos.html?image=3

American Tom Lowe has beaten hundreds of amateur and professional photographers from around the globe to win the title of Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2010. As well as securing the £1000 top prize, his image takes pride of place in the exhibition of winning photographs opening at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich (ROG) on 10th September 2010.

Lowe’s winning shot, Blazing Bristlecone, depicts the star-riddled Milky Way arching over an ancient bristlecone pine tree, thought to be one of the oldest living trees in the world having clocked up over 4,000 years standing sentry over the Sierra Nevada.

For information about entering next year’s competition visit www.nmm.ac.uk/astrophoto

Earth & space winner & overall winner: Blazing Bristlecone by Tom Lowe
Picture: Tom Lowe