Coinciding with the launch of the Royal Astronomical Society’s new photography competition RAStroPhoto, this special, visually-led talk explores the meeting point of art, science and technology in astronomical photography. J-P Metsävainio, one of the world's most pre-eminent astrophotographers, will use a selection of his images to describe how he photographs the hidden structures of the cosmos from his private observatory in northern Finland, close to the Arctic Circle. He will also offer tips and tricks to amateur astrophotographers thinking of entering RAStroPhoto, including practical advice on how familiar celestial subjects can be seen in new ways by reconsidering framing, orientation, scale and context.
About J-P Metsävainio
J-P Metsävainio is an astrophotographer and visual artist based in Oulu, Finland whose work has been widely published and exhibited internationally. For nearly three decades, he has worked under the extreme conditions of the northern sky, developing long-term photographic projects in which scientific observation serves as the foundation for artistic expression. While visually striking as works of art, the images also meet the criteria of scientific imaging: they are constructed from real astronomical light data and document cosmic structures as they truly exist.
Discover RAStroPhoto
Launching on 1 November 2026, RAStroPhoto is the Royal Astronomical Society's new international photography competition, celebrating the 200th anniversary of Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.
The competition will showcase images taken by amateur astronomers and citizen scientists that capture the beauty of the cosmos, the night sky, and the science or scientists that help us understand the universe. Open worldwide, it is free to enter and welcomes all skill levels, with no professional equipment required.
Find out more about the categories and sign up for updates at www.rastrophoto.ras.ac.uk .
Accessibility information
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