The best photos of the night sky for 2016

The center of the western part of the Australian state of New South Wales is famous for the fact that from its territory you can observe, perhaps, the darkest sky in the entire Southern hemisphere. Thanks to this feature, the region attracts astronomers and ordinary people who are looking for places where their jaw would drop at the sight of such beauty. The Central Western Astronomical Society has established AstroFest to encourage local astronomers and enthusiasts from other countries to share their images of the beautiful night sky.

(10 photos in total)

Source: culturainquieta.com

The winners in each category have already been announced, and their pictures are simply divine. Just look at how beautiful it is.

"Trampler 14", category "Distant sky", author — Peter Ward.

"Stormy stars", category "Night views", author — Stephen Humplebay.

"Hidden colors of the Moon", category "Solar system", author — Craig Sample.

"The Milky Way over the Village of Bonnie Don," by Neil Creek.

"The Moon Warrior's Delight," by James Stone.

"The Star Factory", by Paul Hez.

"Arctic Nights," by Judy Conning.

"The Church of the Good Shepherd under the Milky Way", by Peter Hilkman.

"Comet, Planets and the Milky Way", by Alex Cherney.

"The Painted Lobster," by Andrew Campbell.