For the arrival of the Buck Moon, the Royal Observatory in the UK shares some outstanding full Moon photographs from this year
The Buck Moon, named for the time when male deer grow their antlers, is gracing the night sky tonight. This annual event is not just a celestial spectacle but also a significant moment for photographers around the world, as it offers an opportunity to participate in the prestigious ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition.
The Buck Moon is the farthest full Moon from the Sun in the year, with Earth having just reached aphelion, the time when our planet is farthest from the Sun in its orbit. As a result, the Buck Moon appears particularly low in the sky, rising barely above the southern horizon. Its low position can make it appear slightly orange or red-coloured, adding to its captivating allure.
The Buck Moon's low position is also due to it being in the opposite part of the sky to the Sun. This unique placement can cause the Moon illusion, making the Buck Moon appear strangely enormous.
The ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year is one of the biggest astrophotography competitions in the world, celebrating images of the night sky in multiple categories, including Our Moon. The competition welcomes entries from photographers worldwide, and the Our Moon category is a perfect opportunity to showcase your skills capturing the Buck Moon.
If you're interested in entering the competition, here are some general guidelines to keep in mind:
1. **Eligibility**: Check if there are any restrictions on who can enter, such as age or nationality requirements. 2. **Categories**: Ensure you understand the categories, including the specific focus on the Moon category. 3. **Submission Guidelines**: Look for instructions on how many images you can submit, the image format (e.g., JPEG), and any specific size or resolution requirements. 4. **Photography Technique**: Some competitions may have rules about what techniques or equipment are allowed, such as astrophotography using specific telescopes or cameras. 5. **Copyright and Permissions**: Ensure you have the rights to submit your images and provide any necessary releases. 6. **Judging Criteria**: Understand what the judges will be looking for, such as composition, technical skill, or creativity. 7. **Deadlines**: Make sure you know the deadline for submissions to avoid missing the opportunity.
For the most reliable source of specific competition details, visit the official ZWO website or their social media channels. Reviewing guidelines from previous years can also provide some insights into what might be expected for the 2026 competition.
The Royal Observatory Greenwich has released a selection of stunning Moon images, including the 2025 shortlisted images for the Our Moon category. To stay updated on the competition, follow Royal Museums Greenwich on Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms.
So, grab your cameras, find a clear sky, and capture the magic of the Buck Moon. Good luck in the competition!
- Astrophotography enthusiasts can capture the captivating Buck Moon, which is the farthest full Moon from the Sun in the year, and submit their images for the ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition, a prestigious event that celebrates night sky photography in various categories, including Our Moon.
- Participants in the ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition should be aware that the Moon illusion can occur when the Buck Moon is in the opposite part of the sky to the Sun, making it appear strangely enormous.
- To showcase skills in capturing lunar landscapes, astrophotographers can enter the Our Moon category of the ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition, which welcomes entries from photographers worldwide.
- To have the best chance in the ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition, photographers should familiarize themselves with the competition guidelines, such as eligibility, category requirements, submission guidelines, photography technique restrictions, copyright and permissions, judging criteria, and deadlines.
