RAStroPhoto Astrophotography Competition

RAStroPhoto is an astrophotography competition run by the Royal Astronomical Society to celebrate the bicentenary of its journal, Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. It is open from 1 November 2026 to 15 January 2027, and each photographer can enter up to five images. No entry fee is listed. Winners will be announced in summer 2027, and the overall winner receives a prize donated by First Light Optics.

RAStroPhoto Categories

The categories cover the whole sky and the people who study it:

• The Solar System — the Sun, Moon, planets, comets and other nearby objects
• Beyond the Milky Way — galaxies and other deep-space objects
• Inside the Milky Way — nebulae, star clusters and other objects in our galaxy
• Earth and the night sky — landscapes that combine the ground and the sky
• Observing Astronomers — images of people doing astronomy

Who Can Enter RAStroPhoto?

RAStroPhoto is open to astrophotographers, from beginners with a camera and tripod to experienced imagers with dedicated telescopes. Check the rules on the competition website for any age or location limits before you enter.

Rules on Equipment and Editing

Photos must have been taken within the last five years. Images made with remote telescopes, where the equipment is operated from elsewhere, are not allowed: the competition wants photographers' own observing. Artificial intelligence may only be used for denoising and stacking, not to add or invent detail. Keep your raw files, since organisers may ask to see them.

Why Enter RAStroPhoto?

Recognition from the Royal Astronomical Society, one of the oldest scientific societies devoted to astronomy, carries weight. The competition marks a significant anniversary, and the winning images are likely to be seen by both scientists and the public. The Observing Astronomers category also gives a place to images of people and community, not only of objects.

Tips for Deep-Sky Images

Deep-sky judges look for careful processing: accurate colour, controlled noise, round stars and detail that is real rather than over-sharpened. Long total integration time usually shows. Describe your equipment, exposure and processing clearly in the entry details.

Tips for Landscapes and the Solar System

For night-sky landscapes, composition matters as much as technique: a strong foreground, a dark site and a clear sky. For the Moon, Sun and planets, sharpness and careful stacking are key. Always use proper solar filters when photographing the Sun.

Photographing Astronomers

The Observing Astronomers category rewards storytelling. Show the work and atmosphere of observing: an observatory at dusk, a club star party, a researcher at a telescope. Get permission from the people in your photos.

Choosing Your Five

With up to five entries, choose your strongest and most varied work. Spreading entries across several categories can increase your chances, but only if each image can compete on its own.

Planning Around the Weather

The competition runs through the northern winter, which brings long nights but often cloudy skies. Since images can be up to five years old, look through your archive first rather than relying on new sessions. If you do plan to shoot, watch the forecasts and the Moon's phase, and be ready to go out at short notice when a clear night arrives.

Writing Your Captions

Give each image a clear title and accurate details: the object or scene, the date, the location, the equipment, the total exposure and the main processing steps. Good captions help judges understand what was involved and show that you used the permitted tools. Be honest about any processing.

Things to Consider

• Up to five photos.
• Taken in the last five years.
• No remote telescopes.
• Deadline: 15 January 2027.

Enter the Competition

Ready to put your night-sky photos in front of the jury?

Enter RAStroPhoto

Categories and rules are on the RAStroPhoto website of the Royal Astronomical Society.

Looking for more open calls? Browse all competitions and opportunities on Good Stuff Weekly.

Last verified: November 7, 2026