Ali Al-Obaidli wins the Grand Prize at the "Astronomy Photographer of the Year" competition for his image "The Quiet Predator"

Kuwaiti photographer Ali Al-Obaidli won the Grand Prize in the ZWO “Astronomical Photographer of the Year” competition, organized by the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London, for his image “The Quiet Predator,” which documents the “Shark Nebula” (LDN 1235), located 650 light-years away in the constellation Cetus.

Al-Obaidli expressed his pride, in a statement to KUNA, at having his work exhibited in the ZWO “Astronomical Photographer of the Year” exhibition at the National Maritime Museum, part of the Royal Museums Greenwich network, adding that this is “one of the most important aspects of this achievement.”

He emphasized that the “Astronomical Photographer of the Year” exhibition is among the most prestigious astrophotography showcases in the world, bringing together the finest space images from across the globe.

He added, “I hope this achievement will help enhance Kuwait’s presence in the global astrophotography scene.”

The image, titled “The Quiet Predator,” is a photograph of the “Shark Nebula” captured through a 28-hour exposure of this faint, distant nebula composed of a cloud of gas and dust. The image reveals intricate details of the nebula, which lies approximately 650 light-years away.

The “Astronomical Photographer of the Year” is an annual competition showcasing the world’s best space images, in which photographers from around the globe compete for the title.

This year’s exhibition features 140 images, including both winners and shortlisted entries in the “Astronomical Photographer of the Year 2026” competition, hosted by the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, which opened submissions last February.