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From stars to moons, the astronomy photographer of the year attracts thousands of entries from around the world.

And now, the shortlist for the 16th year of the competition has been released.

You can explore some of the out-of-this-world images below.

This scene in Iceland shows a panoramic view of the Eystrahorn Mountain.

Showing the shimmering colours of the Northern Lights, photographer Jose Miguel Picon Chimelis says it is one of the most amazing photos that they have captured while taking pictures at night.

Deep in northwest Namibia an artist has been at work placing numerous sculptures made of stone all over the desert.

This one is known as the ‘Lone Men of Kaokoland’.

Photographer Vikas Chander says that he is on a 'quest to photograph them all'.

Taken on Snettisham beach in Norfolk, Paul Haworth photographed this scene in April 2023.

He said "I was accompanied all night by the incredible sound of the birds out on the flats – they never ceased and it was a fantastic soundtrack to the crystal-clear night.

I named this image ‘Serpentine’ as I love the curved channel in the mudflat, mirroring the trailing stars, and the wonderful scaly texture of the mud cracks."

This little abandoned house is in the middle of the Namib Desert - a coastal desert in Southern Africa - and above it, the stars of our Milky Way galaxy.

The photographer brought some lights to put in the house and waited for the the perfect photo opportunity.

This photo was taken in Iceland and is named the 'Artic Dragon' because of the shape of the green lights above the rock pyramids.

The lights are caused by the Northern Lights which is sometimes also called the aurora.

A total solar eclipse is arguably one of the most beautiful displays from nature.

Photographer Gwenaël Blanck says "Everyone should experience it at least once in their lifetime.

"In April 2023 I went to Australia, for 62 seconds of totality. It seems short, but it was worth every penny and effort to get there. Pictures don’t do justice to this wonder."

This photo of Saturn is so clear.

Taken by Andy Casely, the planet's six moons are also visible in orbit.

The shortlisted images have been released by the Royal Observatory Greenwich.

With over 3,500 entries from 58 countries across the globe, the overall winning images and runners-up will be announced on Thursday 12 September 2024.