Aus Astrophotographer of the Year

I am deeply honoured to have been awarded Australia's Astrophotographer of the Year by Skywatcher Australia for 2024. This is a very prestigious and popular competition held by Skywatcher Australia, and the quality and quantity of entries is fantastic.

William Vrbasso is a celebrated astrophotographer known for his stunning images of the night sky and deep space. William’s images have earned widespread recognition, inspiring others to appreciate the beauty of the cosmos.

Two years in the planning, 1,700km by car to get there, and many adventures along the way – all came down to 60 seconds of terror and awe!

The Sky-Watcher Australia team selected William Vrbasso’s “Totality” image as the overall winner for its remarkable capture of a solar eclipse in pristine detail and stunning composition. The image impressed the judges with its technical excellence, as well as its artistry in portraying this rare astronomical event in a way that is both awe-inspiring and visually captivating. William’s skill in balancing the contrast between the darkened sky and the radiant solar corona highlights the intensity and beauty of totality, encapsulating the ephemeral nature of the moment in a timeless photograph.

Thanks very much to Skywatcher Australia, the judges, and my family and friends for supporting me in this obsessive hobby of mine!