Kuwaiti Ali Al-Obaidli wins "Photographer of the Year" in astronomy

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.

In a statement to KUNA on Friday, Al-Obaidli expressed his pride in having his work exhibited 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 the achievement.

He emphasized that the Astronomy Photographer of the Year exhibition is among the world’s most prestigious astrophotography showcases, bringing together the finest space images from around the globe.

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

Titled “The Quiet Predator,” the image captures the Shark Nebula through a 28-hour exposure of this faint, distant nebula composed of gas and dust clouds, revealing intricate details of the nebula situated approximately 650 light-years away.

The Astronomy Photographer of the Year is an annual competition showcasing the best space images in the world, with photographers from across the globe competing for the title.

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