Astronomy Photographer of the Year - Planets, Comets and Asteroids
£1,500 for Category Winner
Showcase your best space photos in a prestigious global competition by the Royal Museums Greenwich. Win cash prizes up to £10,000 and get exhibited.
Mode
Online
Fee
£10
Participation format
Individual
Duration
Submissions are open 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 welcome.
- Age range
- 16 to 25 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- No specific academic requirements. Open to photographers of all skill levels, from amateur to professional.
- Prerequisites
- Basic knowledge of photography and astronomy.
- Access to a camera and potentially a telescope for capturing celestial images.
- Familiarity with image processing software is beneficial.
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 get £250.
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
- 1Register and submit up to ten images online via the official competition website (apy.rmg.co.uk).
- 2Pay the £10 entry fee for the adult competition.
Rules and guidelines
- Open to anyone aged 16 or over.
- Entrants can submit a maximum of 10 images.
- Photos must have been taken after the start date of the previous year's competition.
- The use of AI-generated data for astronomical targets or weather effects is forbidden.
Technology requirements
- A digital camera and lens/telescope suitable for astrophotography.
- Computer with internet access for online submission.
- Image processing software may be required.
Fees and financial support
Fee details
A one-off, non-refundable entry fee of £10 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 is a prestigious international competition organized by the Royal Museums Greenwich, celebrating the world's best space photography. This platform invites photographers of all skill levels to submit their most spectacular images of the cosmos, from breathtaking skyscapes to detailed pictures of distant galaxies, planets, and comets.
Open to photographers globally aged 16 and over, the competition offers a chance to gain significant international recognition. Key benefits include a grand prize of £10,000, with category winners receiving £1,500. All winning and shortlisted works are showcased in a major exhibition at the National Maritime Museum, offering immense prestige within the global astronomy and photography communities.
Rounds and format
Single submission round.
How entries are judged
Entries are judged on technical skill, artistic merit, and the astronomical accuracy and significance of the image.
Selection process
A panel of expert judges from the worlds of astronomy and photography will select a winner, a 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 objects in our solar system, including planets and their satellites, comets, asteroids and other forms of zodiacal debris. Images of the Moon, Sun and Earth should not be entered into this category.
Frequently asked questions
How can participants enhance their chances of success in this highly competitive astrophotography competition?
Participants can improve their chances by focusing on unique compositions, exceptional technical quality, and compelling storytelling through their images. Reviewing past winning entries can provide insight into the judges' preferences and the standard of work expected.
What are common mistakes applicants should avoid during the submission process for the Planets, Comets and Asteroids category?
Common mistakes include submitting images that do not meet technical specifications, failing to adhere to category themes, or neglecting to provide accurate astronomical data. Over-processing images or using AI-generated elements are also strictly prohibited and can lead to disqualification.
How does the judging panel evaluate entries for technical skill and artistic merit in astrophotography?
The judging panel assesses technical skill based on image clarity, focus, exposure, and processing quality. Artistic merit considers composition, aesthetic appeal, and the emotional impact of the image. Astronomical accuracy and scientific significance are also key factors.
What is the long-term impact of participating in a prestigious competition like Astronomy Photographer of the Year?
Participation offers significant global recognition, enhances a photographer's portfolio, and provides networking opportunities within the astrophotography community. Winners and shortlisted entrants gain international exposure through exhibitions and media coverage, which can open doors to further opportunities.
Are there specific themes or subjects that tend to perform well in the Planets, Comets and Asteroids category?
While all submissions are judged on merit, images that capture rare celestial events, showcase exceptional detail of planetary features, or present comets and asteroids in a visually striking and scientifically accurate manner often stand out. Originality in perspective is also highly valued.
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