Astronomy Photographer of the Year - Our Sun Category
£1,500 Cash Prize
A prestigious global competition for photographers capturing the Sun's phenomena like eclipses and sunspots. Open to ages 16 and over, with a grand prize of £10,000.
Mode
Online
Fee
£10
Participation format
Individual
Duration
The submission period is from January to March.
Time needed
Depends on the time taken to make the entry
Eligibility
Age: 16 and over. Requirements: Open to amateur and professional photographers globally. Submissions must be original photographs of the Sun. Location: International (Online submission).
- Age range
- 16 to 25 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 digital camera and appropriate safe solar filters.
- Basic knowledge of photography and telescope operation is recommended.
- Familiarity with image processing software.
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
£1,500
The overall winner receives a grand prize of £10,000. The winner of the 'Our Sun' category receives £1,500, the runner-up receives £500, and a highly commended entry gets £250.
Prizes
Subscription & Publication
All winners will receive a one-year subscription to BBC Sky at Night Magazine and a copy of the official competition publication featuring their work.
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.
- 2A non-refundable entry fee of £10 is required for the adult competition.
Rules and guidelines
- Open to anyone aged 16 or over.
- Entrants may submit up to ten images in total across all categories.
- The use of AI-generated astronomical targets or weather effects is forbidden.
Technology requirements
- A digital camera suitable for astrophotography.
- Appropriate and safe solar filters for camera lenses and telescopes.
- Image processing software.
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 up to 10 image submissions.
Refund policy
The entry fee is non-refundable.
About this opportunity
The Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition, organized by the Royal Museums Greenwich, is one of the world's most prestigious astrophotography contests. The 'Our Sun' category specifically invites photographers to submit images that capture the dramatic beauty and power of our closest star, including solar eclipses, transits, and detailed shots of the Sun's surface.
This competition is open to photographers worldwide aged 16 and over, attracting a global community of both amateur and professional astrophotographers. Winners receive significant cash prizes, global recognition, and have their work featured in a major exhibition at the National Maritime Museum, offering a major career milestone.
Rounds and format
Single submission round.
How entries are judged
Images are judged on their technical skill, artistic merit, and originality. The judges look for photographs that are both scientifically accurate and visually stunning, capturing the wonder of the cosmos.
Selection process
A panel of expert judges from the worlds of astronomy and photography will select a winner, runner-up, and one highly commended entry from each category. The overall winner is then chosen from the pool of adult category winners.
Academic details
Difficulty: Mixed Levels
What's covered
Photographs of the Sun, including solar eclipses and transits. Images of the Sun alongside earthly scenery may also be entered into this category, or into Skyscapes.
Frequently asked questions
How can participants enhance their chances of success in this competition?
Participants can improve their chances by focusing on originality, technical excellence, and artistic composition. Reviewing past winning entries and understanding the judging criteria can provide valuable insights into what the judges seek in a submission. Experimenting with different solar phenomena and capture techniques is also beneficial.
What are common mistakes applicants make when preparing their submissions?
Common mistakes include submitting images that do not meet technical specifications, failing to adhere to the category theme, or neglecting post-processing to enhance the image's visual appeal. Ensuring all rules are followed, especially regarding safe solar photography, is crucial.
How do judges evaluate the artistic merit and technical skill of entries?
Judges assess artistic merit based on creativity, composition, and emotional impact. Technical skill is evaluated by clarity, focus, exposure, and the effective use of astrophotography techniques. Both aspects are critical for a strong entry, demonstrating both scientific accuracy and visual appeal.
What is the long-term impact of participating in a prestigious competition like this?
Participation offers significant exposure, networking opportunities within the astrophotography community, and a chance for global recognition. Winners often see enhanced career prospects and opportunities for further artistic development, including features in publications and exhibitions.
What are the essential safety precautions for solar photography?
It is critical to always use certified solar filters on all optical equipment, including cameras and telescopes, when observing or photographing the Sun. Never look directly at the Sun through an unfiltered lens or optical viewfinder to prevent permanent eye damage. Utilize live view screens for safe framing.
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