The Magnificent Omega Centauri, 2014 (digital photo)

Creator: Ignacio Diaz Bobillo This image shows a few galaxies in the background, as well as a hint of IFN. Star colour is always challenging when using OSC cameras. To avoid colour bleeding in tightly packed stars, the photographer applied a technique that uses spatial colour samples of a dithered stack, without any colour interpolation, known as bayer drizzle. "As far as I'm aware this image is unparalleled in either professional or amateur astronomy. The dedication and effort that has gone into producing it is truly remarkable. But it's also an enthralling picture to look at. To see this vast expanse of sky in Orion in this much detail, with billowing nebulae and glittering star fields, is just wonderful. I'll certainly never look at this region in quite the same way again. " Will Gater Born digital photograph entitled 'The Magnificent Omega Centauri' by Ignacio Diaz Bobillo taken on 31st May 2014 in San Antonio de Areco, Argentina. Taken with AP130GT telescope, a Losmandy G11 mount and a Canon 6D, Baader-modified and peltier-cooled camera with a 865mm f/6.5 lens; ISO 800 and 22 180-second exposures. Winner of Stars & Nebulae category of Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2015.