Astronomy Photographer of the Year - Galaxies Category
£10,000 Cash Prize
The Astronomy Photographer of the Year, hosted by the Royal Museums Greenwich, is the world's most prestigious astrophotography competition.
Mode
Online
Fee
£10
Participation format
Individual
Duration
Competition runs from January to March.
Time needed
Depends on the time taken to make the entry
Eligibility
Open to photographers worldwide, aged 16 and over. Both amateur and professional photographers are encouraged to participate. A passion for astronomy and photography is the primary requirement.
- Grade level
- Grade 11 to 12
- Age range
- 16 to 18 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- No specific academic requirements. Open to all photographers, including amateurs and professionals.
- Prerequisites
- Access to a high-quality digital camera and telescope.
- Proficiency in image processing software for astrophotography.
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
£10,000
The overall winner receives a grand prize of £10,000. The winner of the Galaxies category receives £1,500, with £500 for the runner-up and £250 for highly commended entries.
Prizes
Magazine Subscription
All winners receive a one-year subscription to BBC Sky at Night Magazine.
Recognition
International Recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
Last edition
- Registration opened
- 5 Jan 2026
- Registration closed
- 2 Mar 2026
- Competition
- 5 Jan 2026 to 2 Mar 2026
How to apply
- 1Entries must be submitted online via the official competition website (apy.rmg.co.uk).
- 2A non-refundable entry fee of £10 is required for the adult competition.
- 3Entrants can submit up to ten images in total across all categories.
Rules and guidelines
- Entrants must be aged 16 or over to participate in the adult competition.
- A maximum of ten images can be submitted per entrant.
Technology requirements
- A high-quality digital camera (DSLR, mirrorless, or dedicated astronomy camera) is required.
- A telescope suitable for deep-sky imaging.
- A stable equatorial mount for long-exposure tracking.
- Image processing software (e.g., PixInsight, Adobe Photoshop) for stacking and editing images.
Fees and financial support
Fee details
A one-off, non-refundable entry fee of £10.00 is required for each entrant in the adult competition, which allows for the submission of up to 10 images across all categories.
Refund policy
The entry fee is non-refundable.
About this opportunity
The Astronomy Photographer of the Year, hosted by the Royal Museums Greenwich, is the world's most prestigious astrophotography competition. The Galaxies category invites photographers to capture awe-inspiring images of deep-space objects beyond our Milky Way, such as distant galaxies, galaxy clusters, and stellar associations.
This international competition is open to photographers aged 16 and over, from amateur enthusiasts to seasoned professionals. Key benefits for winners include substantial cash prizes, global recognition through a major exhibition at the National Maritime Museum in London, and significant media coverage, which can greatly enhance a photographer's career.
Rounds and format
Single round submission.
How entries are judged
Images are judged by a panel of experts on their authenticity, aesthetic quality, and the technical skill demonstrated by the photographer. Originality and the ability to capture a unique or challenging celestial sight are also highly valued.
Selection process
A panel of expert judges from the worlds of astronomy and photography reviews all submissions. They select a winner, runner-up, and highly commended entry for each category, as well as the overall winner from the adult category winners.
Academic details
Difficulty: Mixed Levels
What's covered
Photographs of deep-space objects beyond the Milky Way galaxy, including galaxies, galaxy clusters, and stellar associations.
Frequently asked questions
How do participants manage the time commitment for capturing and processing images while balancing other commitments?
Effective time management is crucial for astrophotography. Participants often plan imaging sessions around celestial events and weather conditions, dedicating specific blocks of time for data acquisition and post-processing. Utilizing automation tools and efficient workflow practices can help optimize the time invested.
What are the key factors judges consider when evaluating the artistic and technical quality of submissions?
Judges typically assess images based on several criteria, including technical excellence (sharpness, noise, color balance), artistic merit (composition, aesthetic appeal), scientific accuracy, and originality. The ability to convey the wonder and beauty of the cosmos through a unique perspective is highly valued.
Are there specific techniques or styles that tend to perform well in the Galaxies category?
In the Galaxies category, images showcasing intricate galactic structures, vibrant star-forming regions, or compelling interactions between galaxies often stand out. Techniques such as long-exposure imaging, narrowband filtering, and advanced stacking methods are commonly employed to capture these details effectively.
How can photographers enhance their chances of standing out in a highly competitive field?
To stand out, photographers should focus on capturing unique celestial phenomena, experimenting with innovative processing techniques, and developing a distinctive artistic style. Paying meticulous attention to detail, from image acquisition to final presentation, can significantly improve an entry's impact.
What support or resources are available for participants facing technical challenges with equipment or software?
While direct technical support for individual setups is not provided, the competition website offers comprehensive guidelines and links to external resources. Many online communities and forums dedicated to astrophotography also provide valuable peer support and troubleshooting advice for common technical issues.
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