WINNERS! Australian Photographic Prize:Astrophotography

[AndysAstroPix]

Winners Announcement!
 In a very close contest, congratulations to the Australian Photographic Prize, Astrophotography Competition winners!
 

 Astro Landscape: Tristian McDonald "Double Helix"
Tristian is from New Zealand and provided the following information about his image.
 After the main Aurora display died down, I was amazed to see this S.T.E.V.E appear in the East and travel directly overhead to the West.
Seven image Vertorama of this incredible phenomenon.; 15sec - ISO4000 - f2.8 - 24mm; Nikon D750; Tamron 24-70mm; Nugget Point Lighthouse; 24 - 04 - 2023
 

Astro Deep Space: Steeve Body "Gabriella and the Cosmic Inferno"
Steeve is from Australia and provided the following information about his image.
 This 2-panel mosaic is an endeavour to showcase the breathtaking intricacies of the Carina Nebula, paired with the captivating aspects of NGC 3324. The Carina Nebula, a Southern Hemisphere exclusive and the brightest nebula in the sky takes a proud stand on the right side of this image. Its core bristles with mesmerising phenomena, from towering dust pillars to compact globules and objects that have achieved fame through the Hubble Telescope's lens. Discover 'The Defiant Finger', whose elegant structure is beautifully portrayed. Gaze upon the 'Mystic Mountains', colossal pillars of dust and gas, their exquisite detail captured by Hubble's watchful eye. To the left, NGC 3324 captivates us. Known as the Gabriela Mistral Nebula, it mirrors the silhouette of the renowned Chilean poet, adding a touch of artistic resonance to this cosmic exploration.
This two-frame mosaic taken from Bentleigh, Victoria features a panoramic view of some of the most significant features belonging to the brightest nebula in the night sky.; Ha 40x600, Oiii 40x600, Sii 40x600, RGB 40x45s each; 1600mm Pro SHO 3nm Antlia Filters RGB Pro Filters; Askar 107 PHQ; Bentleigh, Victoria; 1 Apr 2023 2 Apr 2023 3 Apr 2023 15 Apr 2023;
 

The organizers (and I) would sincerely like to thank all the entrants who supported this competition.  There can only be one winner for each category, but hopefully, the online judging, live debates and written feedback will be a useful resource to help all the entrants wherever they are on their astrophotography journey!
 There were 433 entries - 263 in Deep Space and 170 Astro Landscape.
Images were received from 14 countries over 5 continents, including the USA, UK, Germany, Estonia, France, Austria, Sweden, Romania, India, Pakistan, Chile, New Zealand & Australia!
 

 The top 25 images of each category averaging just over 85/100 in online judging - were then rejudged by the APP panel, in front of a live audience, and broadcast in real time on YouTube. This was watched closely by entrants across the globe, a worldwide first for an Astrophotography competition! While not without it's technical challenges, this proved to be both educational & entertaining!
 

Special thanks to the competition sponsor, Sidereal Trading and William Optics for the generous prizes - a WO Redcat 51 telescope for each category winner.
 Huge thanks to the live judging panel - Dr. Tanya Hill, PhD Astronomy BSc (Hons) Physics, "Strongman" Mike Sidonio (Act), Diego Colonello (Vic) Ari Rex (Act), Tim Moon (NSW) and Grand Master Photographers Paul Hoelen (Tas) and Peter Eastway (NSW).  Also a special shoutout to online judge Marcel Drescher, for his contributions from Germany.
 

In closing, thanks again to Mike Sidonio for his popular, educational, well-received Keynote presentation following the judging.
 We’ve all learned a great deal from this experience, and I’m sure we’ll be back again next year bigger & better than ever!
So go outside & keep looking up; space is amazing! 
 

[Swoop1]

Those are a couple of stunning images.

The Double Helix image is particularly pleasing to my eye.

[AndysAstroPix]

Just a heads up that requested written feedbacks and scores are now available for all entrants by logging in to the APP entry portal.
The online judges worked hard to make these educational, and it's my hope that all entrants gain some benefit from their experience and observations, regardless of what their images have scored 

https://awards.australianphotographicprize.com.au/auth/login

The image galleries are also posted; finalists with scores of 90+ are displayed when selected, as are semi-finalists 80-89, and commended 75-79.

https://winners.australianphotographicprize.com.au/competition/647437f68c68884d4a92c9af

Of course, expressing disappointment when expectations are unfulfilled is human nature, but constructive criticism and suggestions for the APP are most welcome. 
The organizers are listening, appreciate your support and intend to make what became Australia's most popular Astrophotography comp an even better event next year. 

 

The (unedited) replay of the live judging can be viewed here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7Gnr9-Bytw

CS
Andy