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.

This photographer has promised to his girlfriend Belmar that he will follow her all over the world. The Russian photographer has realized this photo collection from various places all over the world. staying always behind his girlfriend. We don’t see the face of her, but he loved her so much dedicating this photography set.

These eye-catching photographs capture the special relationship between a group of farmers and elephants – with a gorgeous sunset in the background. Vithun Khamsong, a civil engineer, shot the images earlier this year while visiting Surin, Thailand. (Photo by Vithun Khamsong/Caters News Agency)

Cally Whitham is a photographic artist from New Zealand with romantic notions of finding value in banality. Her work identifies aesthetic value where none appears apparent and often invites viewers to reflect on our rural beginnings. via Photography Blogs.

A view of the spectacular colour of clouds at sunset on January 17, 2005 in Beijing, China. (Photo by China Photos/Getty Images)

The stunning shots capture the moment a female bear and her two cubs enjoyed the last warm rays of the sun at the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Kaktovik, Alaska. The bears can be seen gazing at the vibrant sunset and appear to revel in the tranquil moment as they bask in the array of colors. (Photo by Sylvain Cordier/Caters News)

A photographer has shared his stunning gallery of African sunrises and sunsets. Paul Goldstein says he has spent years trying to photograph the perfect beginning and ending of the Masai Mara day. Thanks to his role as guide for Exodus Travels, there have been countless opportunities to document the beautiful natural spectacle. Photo: “African Fire”: Ostrich at sunset. (Photo by Paul Goldstein/Rex Features)

The winter sun rises over the Somerset Levels viewed from Glastonbury Tor on December 10, 2011 in Glastonbury, England. After being hit by winter storms this week, the UK is experiencing colder temperatures but high winds are forecast to return. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)