Cosmic Magic Caught On Camera: SpaceX Falcon 9 Launch, Sauron’s Eye, Crocodile’s Eye Galaxy, And More [15-26 Apr]

Welcome to the new roundup of the Best Astrophotos of the Week! The skies lit up this week with a fiery spectacle as SpaceX Falcon 9 launch stole the spotlight. But while the rocket’s glowing trail obsessed skywatchers from Florida to the Caribbean, the universe had even more to offer. From the fantastic view of the Jellyfish Nebula to the haunting gaze of “Sauron’s Eye,” this week’s top astrophotos reveal a universe bursting with motion, mystery, and marvels.

SpaceX Falcon 9 Launch For The Bandwagon-3 Mission

This long-exposure masterpiece by Michael Seeley captures the dramatic arc of the SpaceX Falcon 9 launch for the Bandwagon-3 mission on 21st April. The 477-second exposure, taken from Cocoa Beach, beautifully trails the rocket’s path into the night sk. The photo highlights both the ascent and the return burn for landing.

This striking image showcases Michael Cain’s vision of the SpaceX Falcon 9 launch, as seen from across Florida. The second stage streaks across the sky like a luminous comet, leaving a glowing trail suspended in the twilight.

Joe B’s perfectly timed shot captures SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket soaring past the Moon during the CRS-32 mission.

Paradox Adventure Photography captured the fiery spectacle of SpaceX Transporter-3 boostback burn.

A dazzling streak of light cuts across the twilight sky in this photo of the SpaceX Bandwagon-3 launch, seen from St. John. Laura (@SpaceBunny9) captured it casually during a family dinner, turning her vacation moment into an unforgettable glimpse of spaceflight in action.

This fantastic shot shows the Bandwagon-3 boostback burn in action. The rocket’s engine flare lights up the night sky, creating a striking visual as it adjusts its trajectory.

Majestic Star Trails Over Hawaii

This amazing photo by Lukas Remkowicz showcases star trails over the Gemini North telescope on Mauna Kea, Hawaii. These long lines of light are the traces of stars, captured over several hours of exposure, reflecting Earth’s rotation.

Jellyfish Nebula

Israel Ramirez made a stunning shot of the IC 443 Jellyfish Nebula. This nebula, known for its mesmerising filaments of gas, is a fascinating sight, and this image brings it to life with incredible clarity.

Sauron’s Eye & NGC 4145

Astrophoto Hannover captures the majestic Sauron’s Eye (NGC 4151) alongside its companion, NGC 4145, in the constellation Canes Venatici. NGC 4151, a Seyfert galaxy located 43 million light-years away, is known for its active galactic nucleus, or “mini-quasar,” powered by a supermassive black hole.

Planetary Nebula Purgathofer-Weinberger 1

Astrophotographer J-P Metsavainio shared his final image of the 2024–25 season: Planetary Nebula Purgathofer-Weinberger 1 (PuWe1). This deep-sky photo marks the end of astronomical darkness for the summer, with imaging to resume after the first week of September.

Crocodile’s Eye Galaxy

Photographed by Vîktøriøn in Kunszentmiklós, Hungary, this stunning shot features Messier 94 (M94), nicknamed the “Crocodile’s Eye Galaxy.” M94 stands out for its luminous central ring surrounded by faint, extended outer features.

Thank you to all the photographers who shared their amazing images for this week’s best astrophotos collection! We greatly appreciate your dedication and passion for astrophotography and wish you clear skies for your future captures!