Kuwaiti photographer Ali Al-Obaidli wins the Grand Prize in the "Astronomy Photographer of the Year" competition

London, 18 Sep (KUNA) -- Kuwaiti photographer Ali Al-Obaidli won the Grand Prize in the ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition, organized by the Royal Observatory Greenwich in London, for his image "The Quiet Predator," which documents the Shark Nebula (LDN 1235), located 650 light-years away in the constellation Pavo.

Al-Obaidli expressed his pride in a statement to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on Friday over having his image displayed in the ZWO Astronomy 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 affirmed that the Astronomy Photographer of the Year exhibition is one of the most prestigious astrophotography exhibitions in the world, bringing together the best space images from around the globe.

He added, "I hope this achievement will help enhance Kuwait's presence further 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 is approximately 650 light-years away.

The Astronomy Photographer of the Year is an annual competition showcasing the world's best space images, in which photographers from around the world compete for the title.

This year's exhibition features 140 images, including winners and shortlisted entries from the "Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2026" competition, hosted by the Royal Observatory Greenwich, which opened submissions last February.

(END) A.S.H. / A.M.S.