Astronomy Photographer of the Year - People and Space
£1,500 Cash Prize
The world's most prestigious astrophotography competition. The 'People and Space' category invites global photographers aged 16+ to capture the cosmos with a human element.
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
Open to photographers worldwide aged 16 and over. This category is for images of the night sky that creatively include a human element. Both amateur and professional photographers are welcome to participate.
- Age range
- 16 to 25 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- No specific academic requirements. Open to all photographers, amateur and professional.
- Prerequisites
- Access to a digital camera suitable for astrophotography.
- Basic understanding of long-exposure photography techniques.
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
£1,500
The overall winner receives a grand prize of £10,000. Category winners receive £1,500, runners-up get £500, and highly commended entries are awarded £250.
Prizes
Subscription & Publication
All winners receive a one-year subscription to BBC Sky at Night Magazine and a copy of the official competition publication featuring their work.
Recognition
International Exhibition
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 submit images online via the official competition website (apy.rmg.co.uk).
- 2Pay the one-off entry fee of £10 for the adult competition.
- 3Submit up to ten images across any of the adult categories.
Rules and guidelines
- The competition is open to anyone aged 16 or over.
- Images must be submitted to the correct category.
- Photos must have been taken after a specified date (usually within the last two years).
- Entrants must be the original author of the work.
- Submissions must adhere to the specific guidelines for the 'People and Space' category.
- A non-refundable entry fee of £10 is required for adult competition entrants.
Technology requirements
- Digital camera (DSLR, mirrorless, or dedicated astronomy camera)
- Image processing software
- Lenses suitable for night sky photography.
- A stable tripod.
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, hosted by the Royal Museum Greenwich, is the largest and most celebrated astrophotography contest globally. This specific category, 'People and Space', challenges photographers to creatively capture images of the night sky that include people or elements demonstrating humanity's presence and connection to the cosmos.
The competition is open to photographers of all skill levels worldwide, aged 16 and over, providing a unique platform to blend art with science. Winners receive substantial cash prizes, international acclaim, and have their work showcased in a major exhibition at the National Maritime Museum, offering immense exposure.
Rounds and format
Single submission.
How entries are judged
Entries are judged anonymously by a panel of experts on their technical skill, artistic merit, and originality. The 'People and Space' category specifically looks for creative and compelling compositions that connect humanity with the cosmos.
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 the night sky that include people or elements that show the presence or influence of human beings.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key factors judges consider when evaluating entries in the 'People and Space' category?
Judges prioritize technical excellence, artistic composition, and the creative integration of human elements within an astronomical context. Originality and the ability to convey a compelling narrative are also highly valued.
How can participants effectively manage competitive pressure and maintain focus during the submission period?
Participants are encouraged to focus on their artistic vision and technical execution rather than external competition. Setting realistic goals, seeking constructive feedback, and celebrating personal progress can help manage pressure.
What common mistakes should photographers avoid when preparing their astrophotography submissions?
Common mistakes include over-processing images, neglecting image resolution requirements, failing to adhere to category-specific themes, and submitting images that do not meet the eligibility criteria regarding originality or prior publication.
How does participation in this competition contribute to a photographer's long-term development and recognition?
Participation offers significant international exposure, opportunities for exhibition at a prestigious museum, and recognition within the global astrophotography community. It can also motivate skill development and creative exploration.
Are there specific technical aspects of astrophotography that often lead to higher scores in the competition?
While artistic merit is crucial, strong technical execution, including sharp focus, proper exposure, minimal noise, and effective post-processing that enhances rather than detracts from the image, often correlates with higher scores.
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