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.

Girls prepare to take part in a mermaid lesson in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil May 28, 2017. Women in Brazil are not unique in their affinity for mermaiding. Classes are held as far away as Texas and some folks wonder if mermaiding will be the next fitness craze. (Photo by Pilar Olivares/Reuters)

People out in Aberystwyth on “Booze Black Friday” or “Mad Friday” in Aberystwyth, Wales, UK on December 16, 2016. The “Booze Black Friday” is the last working Friday before Christmas when workers celebrate with their colleagues. Alcohol sales in pubs, clubs and off-licences rise dramatically on this day. (Photo by Keith Morris/Alamy Live News)

Two young women pose for a portrait, dressed in robes after collecting their Bachelor degrees in Conakry on October 12, 2020. Presidential elections are to be held on October 18, with incumbent President bidding for a third term in office, defying critics who say he forced through a new constitution this year enabling him to sidestep two-term presidential limits. (Photo by John Wessels/AFP Photo)

People are seen through a window as they attend the traditional wedding ceremony of Emir's 7 children in Abuja, Nigeria, December 26, 2020. (Photo by Afolabi Sotunde/Reuters)

A young marcher high fives the crowd as Australian military personnel, past and present, commemorate ANZAC Day during a parade through the city centre in Sydney, Australia on April 25, 2023. (Photo by Jaimi Joy/Reuters)

Five-year-old Julia cuddles a free teddy bear at a toy adoption station in a branch of Dobbies in Wallington, UK on December 4, 2023. Research shows almost half of parents (46%) in Britain plan to spend less on their children’s Christmas presents this year, and 47% believe their child would not mind receiving a preloved toy as a gift. (Photo by Michael Leckie/PA Wire Press Association)

Syrian refugee boys play with toy guns at Eminonu district in Istanbul, Turkey, 08 January 2019. (Photo by Sedat Suna/EPA/EFE)