M42 Subtle V1 cropped. One of the most well-known astronomical objects in our universe is the Orion Nebula and this image depicts the wider region of the Orion Molecular Cloud Complex that is its home. This complex also includes another popular target for astrophotographers, the Horsehead Nebula, as well as Barnard’s Loop and the Running Man Nebula, which can be seen to the left of this photograph. (Photo by Patrick Gilliland)

These stunning images look to highlight the amazing natural beauty that can be found across the United States. The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) recently released their Best of 2015 list, featuring a variety of animals, weather conditions and landmarks. Included in the list are gleaming auroras, adorable groups of otters and owls, and breath-taking shots across the likes of the Grand Canyon and national parks. Each of the spectacular shots, all of which were taken during 2015, featured on the Department of the Interiors Instagram account throughout the year, taken by both members of staff and members of the public. Here: Arches, National Park. (Photo by Caters News)

Star trails are pictured from a road in Singapore. These astonishing images of night sky are captured by Singapore based photographer Justin Ng. The pictures were taken between November 2013 to January 2014. It show's star trail caused by the earth's rotation and also can be achieved by zooming the DSLR lens inward or outward in small steps using a dedicated motorized zooming device. (Photo by Justin Ng/Barcroft Media)

This tiny hedgehog is in a prickly position as hes unable to grow spikes, leaving him needing round-the-clock care. The woodland critter was found with no spikes and has been taken in by a family hoping to nurse him back to health so he can be released into the wild. Named Mr Prickleless, the hedgehog was rescued by Dina Nixon and her daughter Jennifer, 25, after being taken into a rescue centre in December last year. It is not known what happened to his spikes, but Dina has vowed that if they ever do return he will be returned to the wild. But for now the hedgehog has taken shelter in a rabbit hutch in her garden. (Photo by Caters News Agency)

The claws are out for North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un and Russia's Vladimir Putin – as cats now able to use a model of him as a scratching post. And moggies can also maul at Russian president Vladimir Putin, whose face also features on the new cat toys which are 1.5ft tall and cost £4,500. They are made from hessian rope, and 3D-printed faces are then attached to the posts, before they are handpainted. The toys took a team of artists 200 hours to finish. (Photo by The Pussycat Riot)

A food market shows off rows upon rows of dead animals, some of which have been beaten to death. Dogs and chickens can be seen lined up with their mouths hanging wide open. Shoppers even pick up some of the dogs and bats as they look for the best on the market. Retired biologist and amateur photographer Alf Jacob Nilsen took the shocking pictures of the market during a visit to Tomohon Village in Northern Sulawei, Indonesia. Pictured: Flying foxes (bats) for sale at the market. (Photo by Alf Jacob Nilsen/Solent News)

Fumie Takino, 89, founder of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom, and other members pose for commemorative photos before filming a dance routine for an online performance in Tokyo, Japan, April 12, 2021. “It's dancing; moving your body is nice”, Takino said. “And the costumes are unbelievably showy. Some people join just so they can wear them”. (Photo by Kim Kyung-Hoon/Reuters)

Workers stir hundreds of large ceramic pots as they spend months making a traditional soy sauce on October 14, 2020. Arranged in rows, the containers can hold up to 50 litres of Ban Soy sauce. During the drawn out process the sauce is stirred every two days for two to six months. Ban Yen Nhan village in the Hung Yen Province of Vietnam is famous for its traditional and distinctive method of making the sauce. (Photo by Nguyen Quy/Solent News)