Astronomy Photographer of the Year - Our Moon Category
£1,500 Cash Prize
A prestigious international photography competition by Royal Museums Greenwich for ages 16+, celebrating the art of lunar photography with significant cash prizes.
Mode
Online
Fee
£10
Participation format
Individual
Duration
The submission period typically runs for about two months, from early January to early March each year.
Time needed
Depends on the time taken to make the entry
Eligibility
Age: 16 years and over. Location: Open to participants worldwide, including India. Requirements: Open to both amateur and professional photographers. Participants can submit up to 10 images online.
- Age range
- 16 to 25 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- No specific academic requirements. Open to both amateur and professional photographers.
- Prerequisites
- Access to photography equipment.
- Basic knowledge of astrophotography techniques.
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
£1,500
The overall winner, chosen from all adult category winners, receives a grand prize of £10,000. The winner of the 'Our Moon' category receives £1,500. Runners-up get £500 and highly commended entries get £250.
Prizes
Magazine Subscription & Book
All winners receive a one-year subscription to BBC Sky at Night Magazine and their work is published in the prestigious Astronomy Photographer of the Year book.
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
- 1Register and create an account on the official competition website.
- 2Pay the one-time entry fee of £10 for the adult competition.
- 3Upload up to ten images across any of the adult competition categories.
- 4Ensure all submissions are completed before the closing date in early March.
Rules and guidelines
- Entrants must be aged 16 or over to participate in the adult competition.
- A maximum of 10 images can be submitted per entrant.
- Images should adhere to the specific theme of the 'Our Moon' category.
Technology requirements
- A digital camera (DSLR, mirrorless, or dedicated astronomy camera) suitable for astrophotography.
- Telescope or specialized lenses for capturing detailed lunar images.
- Computer with image processing software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, PixInsight) for editing submissions.
Fees and financial support
Fee details
A one-off, non-refundable entry fee of £10 is required from each entrant in the Adult competition. This fee allows for the submission of up to 10 images across all categories.
Refund policy
The entry fee is non-refundable.
About this opportunity
The 'Our Moon' category is a key part of the globally acclaimed Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition, organized by the Royal Museums Greenwich. This category invites photographers to submit images that capture the beauty and astronomical details of Earth's natural satellite, including phenomena like lunar eclipses and occultations.
Open to amateur and professional photographers worldwide aged 16 and over, this competition seeks compelling images of the Moon. Key benefits include substantial cash prizes, international recognition, and having work showcased in a major exhibition at the National Maritime Museum, offering immense prestige in the astrophotography community.
Rounds and format
Single round submission.
How entries are judged
Images are judged on their technical skill, artistic merit, and originality. The judging panel consists of experts in the fields of astronomy and photography.
Selection process
A winner, runner-up, and one highly commended entry are selected from each category. The overall winner of the competition is then chosen from the pool of the eight adult category winners.
Academic details
Difficulty: Mixed Levels
What's covered
Photographs of the Moon, including lunar eclipses and the occultation of stars and planets. Images of the Moon alongside earthly scenery or into Skyscapes.
Frequently asked questions
How do participants typically approach preparation for this competition?
Successful participants often dedicate time to understanding lunar photography techniques, experimenting with different equipment, and refining their image processing skills. Reviewing past winning entries can also provide valuable insights into the judging criteria and artistic styles that resonate with the panel.
What are the common pitfalls participants should avoid during the submission process?
Participants should carefully read the competition rules to ensure eligibility and proper formatting. Common pitfalls include submitting images that do not meet the category theme, failing to adhere to technical specifications, or missing the submission deadline. Double-checking all details before final submission is crucial.
How does the judging panel evaluate the artistic and technical aspects of submissions?
The judging panel, composed of astronomy and photography experts, assesses images based on a balance of technical proficiency, artistic composition, and originality. Technical aspects include clarity, focus, and exposure, while artistic merit considers creativity, impact, and adherence to the 'Our Moon' theme.
What are the long-term benefits for participants who achieve recognition in this competition?
Achieving recognition in this international competition offers significant long-term benefits, including enhanced professional credibility, global exposure through exhibitions and publications, and networking opportunities within the astrophotography community. It can serve as a strong foundation for further artistic and scientific pursuits.
How can participants manage the competitive pressure effectively?
Participants can manage competitive pressure by focusing on their personal growth and passion for astrophotography rather than solely on winning. Setting realistic expectations, celebrating small achievements, and seeking feedback from peers can help maintain motivation and a positive mindset throughout the competition.
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