The possible surface of TRAPPIST-1f, one of seven newly discovered planets in the TRAPPIST-1 system that scientists using the Spitzer Space Telescope and ground based telescopes have discovered. (Photo by Reuters/NASA/JPL-Caltech)

Amanda Lepore attends the Moschino x H&M – Front Row at Pier 36 on October 24, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)

A cosplay enthusiast waits at the premiere of the movie “Warcraft” in Hollywood, California U.S., June 6, 2016. (Photo by Mario Anzuoni/Reuters)

Light is the sole reason why life exists. It provides us with warmth; it allows us to see; it nourishes all the living things on this planet. Many painters, especially the masters of Old Renaissance Period, have recognized the importance of light and its intimate connection with nature and life itself. In their paintings they gave tribute to light, giving the impression that their paintings had a light source hidden within them. Al Hogue, the artist who created the paintings that you see before you, has studied their techniques for many years. As time went by, light permeated not only his paintings by also his life, becoming his sole philosophy.

A giant biodegradable landart painting entitled “Vers l'equilibre” (Towards balance) by French-Swiss artist Saype is pictured near the summit of the Grand Chamossaire mountain, above the alpine resort of Villars-sur-Ollon, Switzerland, Wednesday, July 06, 2022. Extending over an area of 2500 square meters, this fresco was created using biodegradable pigments made out of charcoal, chalk, water and milk proteins. (Photo by Valentin Flauraud/Keystone via AP Photo)

The Royal Observatory just announced its Astronomy Photographer Of The Year 2013 winners. Australian photographer Mark Gee was chosen among a thousand amateur and professional photographers around the globe to win the top title. His work is part of an exhibition of the winning photographers, which opened on Sept. 19 at the Royal Observatory Greenwich. The Royal Observatory shared with us the winners and notable mentions of the competition. Their descriptions of the prizewinners can be found below the images.