Wish upon a star and you may wind up Astronomy Photographer of the Year, just like Mister Martin Pugh. Or not. Wishing will take you only so far. What you actually need is a considerable amount of patience (better add that to your wish list while you’re at it). The British photographer revealed that the winning image was captured over 14 nights, with a total exposure time of 19 hours.
So, what won him the title, Astronomy Photographer of the Year? His snapshot of the Horsehead Nebula, which competition judge and BBC Sky at Night presenter Chris Lintott hailed as "absolutely stunning, whether it’s the fine structure in the curtain behind the horse or the subtle details on the edge of the dark nebula itself."
Astronomical Astrophotography
Martin Pugh Named Astronomy Photographer of the Year
Trend Themes
1. Astrophotography for Social Media - There's a potential for a new trend in astrophotography, tailored for social media sharing and promotion of astronomy as a new genre of lifestyle photography.
2. Astronomy Tourism - With the rise of astronomical astrophotography, there's a potential for an allied movement in astronomy-based tourism.
3. Space-based Images for Interior Designs - Astrophotography can disrupt the wall art and printing industry by providing niche space-based images as new forms of interior decorations.
Industry Implications
1. Tourism Industry - The Astronomy Tourism industry can create more innovative ways to showcase the universe to the general public.
2. Photography Industry - The Astrophotography trend might encourage photographers to explore celestial subjects and techniques.
3. Fine Arts Industry - A new market for limited edition celestial-themed art prints could grow in popularity as well as diversify the selection of contemporary art on the market.