Gorgeous galaxies and stunning stars make up this selection of pictures from the shortlisted entries for this year’s Insight Astronomy Photographer of the Year award. The winners will be announced on 15 September, and an exhibition of the winning images will be will be displayed in a free exhibition at the Royal Observatory Greenwich’s Astronomy Centre from 17 September. Here: “Seven Magic Points”. The rusty red swirls of the circular, iron sculpture Seven Magic Points in Brattebergan, Norway mirror the rippling aurora above. (Photo by Rune Engebø/Royal Observatory Greenwich’s Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2016/National Maritime Museum)

The Lake of Lights at Talkin Tarn lake near Brampton in Cumbria, England on October 22, 2017 – where hundreds of lights in the surrounding woodland represent a cherished memory of a relative friend or loved one no longer with us. (Photo by Owen Humphreys/PA Images via Getty Images)

Mia Sanford, graduating from Dr. Michael M. Krop Senior High School, takes a selfie picture with friends before participating in a parade of vehicles celebrating the graduating 2020 High School seniors on May 14, 2020 in Aventura, Florida. The graduating seniors were cheered on as they drove through the city escorted by the Aventura Police Department, students and parents. The unorthodox graduation ceremony was created as a way to safely celebrate during the coronavirus pandemic. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Queen of drums, Sabrina Sato of Unidos de Vila Isabel samba school during the Champions Parade on the last day of Rio de Janeiro 2022 Carnival at Marques de Sapucai Sambadrome on May 01, 2022 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Rio de Janeiro's iconic carnival returns to the sambodrome after a two year suspension and postponements due to the coronavirus pandemic. (Photo by Wagner Meier/Getty Images)

Surfers and others spend a day at Rockaway Beach as impact from Hurricane Lee delvers large surf and rip tides to much of the Northeast on September 14, 2023 in New York City. Hurricane Lee is predicted to make landfall from Nova Scotia to New Brunswick and also parts Maine this weekend. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

A woman walks the grounds in costume as revellers celebrate Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) at Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles, California, on October 28, 2023. Every year on the last Saturday before November 2nd, Hollywood Forever Cemetery welcomes members of the community to celebrate Dia de Los Muertos, which reunites and honors beloved ancestors, family, and friends. (Photo by David Swanson/AFP Photo)

People watch waves crash over the sea wall in Revere, Massachusetts on January 13, 2024. The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency is reminding residents of the possibility of flooding in low-lying areas and streets as a third storm in a week batters the state. (Photo by Joseph Prezioso/AFP Photo)

A child in a Supergirl costume pays respects as Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg lies in repose under the Portico at the top of the front steps of the U.S. Supreme Court building, in Washington, U.S. September 23, 2020. (Photo by Alex Brandon/Pool via Reuters)