Unlocking the Cosmos: Your Guide to Entering the 2025 Astronomy Photographer of the Year Contest

The Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2025 competition is currently accepting submissions, so it’s time to select your finest astrophotography from the past year in hopes of being recognized as this year’s leading astro photographer.

The Royal Observatory Greenwich is once again inviting astrophotographers globally to present their best images of the night sky to vie for a grand award of £10,000.

The top image in each of the eight primary categories will also receive £1,500, with the Runner Up and Highly Commended selections being awarded £500 and £250 respectively.

If you are a beginner or prefer showcasing your astronomy photography in a more inventive fashion, there are two special awards, each offering £750.

Additionally, young astrophotographers under the age of 16 can participate in the Young Astronomy Photographer of the Year contest at no cost, with a chance to win the main prize of £1,500.

Categories

Planets, Comets and Asteroids

This year has been an incredible time for observers of the Solar System, featuring a procession of planets and comet A3 Tsuchinshan–ATLAS streaking through the heavens. If you’ve succeeded in capturing a remarkable image, be sure to submit it in this category.

Discover how to photograph planets

Aurorae

This year featured some truly stunning aurora displays, reaching from the poles down to the Caribbean. Whether it’s the aurora borealis or australis, if you’ve captured these lights, submit them here.

Learn how to photograph the aurora

People and Space

Since the dawn of civilization, people have felt a bond with the night sky. The People and Space category honors this connection, inviting images that depict our human experience within the broader expanse of the Universe.

Stars and Nebulae

To the unaided eye, stars and nebulae often seem merely as tones of white and grey. However, through astrophotography, both can be transformed into vibrant displays of color and intricacy. This category seeks the most exceptional images of either.

Unearth tips and tricks for photographing the Orion Nebula

Skyscapes

The night sky may seem remote at times; however, a stunning terrestrial foreground brings the two together. One of the most competitive categories in the contest, Skyscapes calls for any image incorporating an earthly landscape.

Explore techniques for skyscape photography

Our Moon

The Moon has drawn increasing attention recently as humanity aims to return to its surface. If you possess a captivating image of our celestial neighbor from a distance, make sure to enter it in the Our Moon category.

Discover how to capture the Moon through photography

Our Sun

With the Sun set to reach the zenith of its 11-year activity cycle in the near future, there’s no better moment to direct your camera towards it (using appropriate filters, naturally). If you’ve captured an amazing flare or remarkable sunspot, please submit it here.

Discover how to capture the Sun through photography

Galaxies

The photons from galaxies have been journeying for eons to reach us on Earth. If you’ve managed to capture that light from one of these far-flung star cities upon its arrival, ensure you enter your photograph in the Galaxies category.

Discover how to photograph the Andromeda Galaxy with helpful tips and techniques

Young Astronomy Photographer of the Year

Being youthful doesn’t imply you can’t create breathtaking astro images, as this unique category aims to inspire the exceptional photographers of the future. If you’re under 16, you can enter the Young competition at no cost.

Patrick Moore Prize for Best Newcomer

Just because an individual has recently pointed their camera at the night sky for the first time doesn’t mean they can’t create a truly remarkable image. This special category is reserved for photographs taken by those who began their journey in astrophotography within the past year.

Explore our beginner’s guide to astrophotography

Special Prize: Annie Maunder Open Category

The Annie Maunder prize honors innovative and creative applications of astronomical data. Utilize any data you have authorization to use, whether you’ve collected it yourself or sourced it from a professional observatory that is open-source. You may even combine data from different origins.

Discover how to process images from unprocessed space mission data

For further details, visit the Royal Museums Greenwich and follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram