“The Sloan Digital Sky Survey III (SDSS-III) has released the largest-ever three-dimensional map of massive galaxies and distant black holes, which will help astronomers explain the mysterious “dark matter” and “dark energy” that scientists know makes up 96 percent of the Universe”. – SDSS-III

Emily Hasler, an English Heritage employee at Charles Darwin's home, Down House, cleans a rabbit bone in his old study on April 2, 2011 in Downe, England. Staff at the house are cleaning and preparing the property ahead of their peak visitor season. The house contains the study where Darwin wrote “On the Origin of Species”, as well as family rooms and an extensive garden that inspired the renowned scientist. (Photo by Oli Scarff/Getty Images)

A reveler waves a gay pride flag in front of the historic gay bar The Stonewall after the passing of a bill legalizing gay marriage in New York State on June 24, 2011 in New York City. New York State now joins Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Iowa and Washington, D.C. in legally recognizing gay marriage. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Creative imagery, gold winner: Sprats and Bread, Ruediger Schulz, Germany. (Photo by Ruediger Schulz/2021 Bird Photographer of the Year)

Human Connection Award: People and Planet Ocean – Winner – Steve Woods. A free diver interacts with a sperm whale among a cloud of sargassum weed, Dominica. (Photo by Steve Woods/Ocean Photographer of the Year 2022)

British Waters Wide Angle category runner-up. Grass snake swimming along a garden pond by Jack Perks (UK)in Nottinghamshire, UK. “I’m always on the lookout for unusual freshwater subjects and grass snakes are a species I’ve been after for years. I was told about a pond where the odd grass snake hangs around the lilly pads for frogs. I put my drysuit on and got into the water and could see one slithering along the surface. Slowly making my way towards it with my head only just poking above I got the spilt shot”. (Photo by Jack Perks/Underwater Photographer of the Year 2019)

“The Supercell”. This shortlisted image by Dennis Oswald Huge farmland of was taken in south-west Oklahoma, US. (Photo by Dennis Oswald/2019 Weather Photographer of the Year/RMetS)

U.S. Air Force wounded warrior, Capt. Sarah Evans, jumps rope in a gym in San Antonio, Texas. Evans was diagnosed with cancer while deployed to Afghanistan and was medically evacuated back to the United States where her leg was amputated. (Photo by Master Sgt. Jeffrey Allen/U.S. Air Force)