Chongqing - Meteor showers, solar and lunar eclipses, auroras, and galaxies - what kind of sparks will ignite when these astronomical wonders meet women photographers? 

On February 25, Her Shining Stars - China's First Exhibition of Women Astrophotographers opened at Wang Qi Art Museum in Southwest China's Chongqing, presenting the beauty of the universe through a female perspective.

The Galactic Arch in the Lianbao Yeze Scenic Area, photographed by Wang Xiajin in 2021. (Photo/Wang Qi Art Museum)

The Triangulum Galaxy, photographed by Dai Ling in 2022. (Photo/Wang Qi Art Museum)

Aurora Hovering over Iceland, photographed by Anju in 2020. (Photo/Wang Qi Art Museum)

This is the first exhibition in China to showcase the perspectives of women astrophotographers. The exhibition is sponsored by the Chongqing Women Photographers Association and hosted by Wang Qi Art Museum, with guidance from the renowned astrophotography IP aggregation platform Star Alliance CSVA.

Over a thousand works by female astrophotographers were collected, with over 70 of the best works selected for display. These images of the stars come from snowy mountains, grasslands, wilderness, and cities, reflecting both nature and humanity. Each photograph has its own story and profound meaning.

Antarctic Night Sky, photographed by Qiu Bi in 2020. (Photo/Wang Qi Art Museum)

Celestial Search, photographed by Zhou Yang and Song Dan in 2021. (Photo/Wang Qi Art Museum)

Star Chaser, photographed by Wei Dan in 2022. (Photo/Wang Qi Art Museum)

Stars in the Snow, photographed by Li Ruijiao in 2021. (Photo/Wang Qi Art Museum)

Dai Ling, the curator and president of the Chongqing Women Photographers Association, said that photography is the art of capturing light, and astrophotography is the art of capturing starlight. Photography is not easy, and astrophotography is even more challenging. Female astrophotographers are particularly rare. To some extent, women who chase stars become shining "stars" themselves. This exhibition aims to showcase the "stars" to the audience.

Jiang Chenming, the co-founder of Star Alliance CSVA, said that stargazing is becoming a trend, and Star Alliance CSVA's vision is to encourage more people to look up to the stars and become pioneers and promoters of China's stargazing journey. They have gathered more than 700 outstanding astrophotographers, including many talented women whose stories and works are truly inspiring. This exhibition aims to showcase "her shining stars" to the public.

The exhibition is open to the public free until March 12.

Tiny Stars in the Universe, photographed by Huang Dandan in 2021. (Photo/Wang Qi Art Museum)

The galaxy in Nian Baoyuze Scenic Spot, photographed by Deng Yuchang in 2021. (Photo/Wang Qi Art Museum)