Excitement is in the air as the prestigious 2025 Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition invites photographers to showcase their celestial captures! This is your chance to shine and potentially be crowned the world’s best astro imager.

Hosted by the Royal Observatory Greenwich, this annual event offers a grand prize of £10,000 for the overall champion. But that’s not all - winners in eight categories will also receive £1,500, with additional rewards of £500 for Runners Up and £250 for Highly Commended entries.

New to astrophotography? You can also compete for one of two special prizes, each worth £750, to highlight innovative and creative photography. Young talent is encouraged, as aspiring astronomers under the age of 16 can enter the Young Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition at no cost, with a chance to win £1,500!

Categories to Enter:

1. **Planets, Comets, and Asteroids**: This year has graced us with stunning views of our Solar System. If you’ve snapped an incredible shot of a celestial body or a spectacular comet trail, make sure to submit it!

2. **Aurorae**: From the enchanting dance of the aurora borealis to the mesmerizing austral lights, if you’ve captured these breathtaking phenomena, this category is perfect for you.

3. **People and Space**: Reflect on humanity's connection to the cosmos. This category seeks pictures that capture our human experience intertwined with the vast universe.

4. **Stars and Nebulae**: While stars may appear monochrome to the naked eye, your photographic skills can unveil their hidden colors and depth. Share your most striking images.

5. **Skyscapes**: Join earth and sky by capturing images that feature stunning terrestrial landscapes alongside the night sky. This highly contested category is sure to draw incredible entries!

6. **Our Moon**: With renewed interest in lunar exploration, showcase your most impressive photos of our satellite. Whether it's a close-up shot or an artistic capture, be sure to enter!

7. **Our Sun**: As the Sun approaches its peak 11-year activity cycle, this is a fantastic time to enter dramatic solar images. Just remember, safety first - use the proper filters!

8. **Galaxies**: Capture the light that has traveled millions of years to reach us! If you’ve documented the stunning beauty of galaxies, share your masterpiece in this category.

Special Categories:

- **Young Astronomy Photographer of the Year**: A platform for under-16s to showcase their talent and claim the main prize!

- **Patrick Moore Prize for Best Newcomer**: For those who have just begun their astrophotography journey, this category encourages fresh talent.

- **Annie Maunder Open Category**: For innovative uses of astronomical data, whether collected by you or sourced from reputable observatories.

Don’t miss the opportunity to feature your work in this global competition that celebrates the wonders of the universe! Start preparing your stellar submissions and let your creativity shine among the stars!