2025 Astrophotography Prize

The 2025 Astrophotography Prize is set to take place over two days, September 13 and 14, 2025. This event invites astrophotographers worldwide to submit their best images for a chance to win part of a $12,000 USD prize pool. It brings together amateurs and experienced photographers, creating a space where images of the night sky can be celebrated, evaluated, and rewarded.

2025 Astrophotography Prize overview

The competition opens for entries on August 4, 2025, with submissions closing on August 31, 2025. Participants can submit entries across four main categories: Deep Space, Solar System, Astro Landscape, and Remote Imaging. Each category will see its top 25 entries judged live on YouTube by a panel of international astrophotographers.

The 2025 Astrophotography Prize is designed to be accessible to a global audience. All judging sessions are streamed live, allowing viewers worldwide to follow the debates and decisions in real time. These sessions offer insights into what makes an image stand out and provide educational value to both participants and observers.

The competition categories cover a range of astrophotography types:

• Deep Space: Capturing objects such as nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters.
• Solar System: Focusing on planets, the moon, the sun, comets, and other solar system objects.
• Astro Landscape: Combining terrestrial landscapes with celestial scenes.
• Remote Imaging: Images captured using remotely operated observatories.
   

An additional prize, the Celestron Origin Intelligent Home Observatory, is awarded for the highest-scoring image taken using a Celestron OTA. This specific award encourages entrants to showcase what they can achieve with Celestron equipment.

Prizes and awards

The prize pool includes equipment, subscriptions, and vouchers provided by well-known companies in the astrophotography field:

• Celestron Edge HD 9.25 OTA valued at $3,000 USD for the overall Astrophotographer of the Year.
• Chroma Filter Voucher valued at $1,175 USD.
• Deep Sky West Annual Subscription valued at $1,500 USD.
• Samyang 14mm F2.8 MK2 Lens and Move Shoot Move NOMAD Pro Kit A Bundle valued at $900 USD.
• QHY5III678C Camera from Sidereal, valued at $500 USD.
• Astrography Vouchers valued at $200 USD each for runners-up in each category.
   

These prizes aim to support astrophotographers in advancing their work, offering tools and resources that can elevate future projects.

Judging process

The judging process is a highlight of the event. The top 25 entries in each category are evaluated in live sessions streamed on YouTube. This transparency allows participants and viewers to learn directly from expert judges, who explain their reasoning, compare entries, and discuss what makes each image successful or what could be improved.

An important feature of the competition is that every entrant can receive written feedback on their submission. This focus on education helps photographers at all levels understand how to improve their techniques and presentations, contributing to the growth of the global astrophotography community.

How to enter

Participants are required to read the official rules and guidelines on the Astrophotography Prize website before submitting their entries. Entry fees apply, but discounted bundle packages are available for those entering multiple categories. Entrants should select the appropriate category for each submission, ensuring that their images meet the requirements outlined by the organizers.

The competition’s commitment to education and community means that even those who do not win a prize will walk away with valuable insights and the experience of having their work evaluated by top-tier professionals.

Community and legacy

The Astrophotography Prize is not just about winning equipment or recognition. For many, it represents a career milestone, a chance to establish a reputation within the astrophotography world. Winning or even being shortlisted can inspire others, providing momentum for the winner's future projects and contributing to the advancement of the hobby or profession.

The event is organized by astrophotographers for astrophotographers. Its mission is to strengthen the global community, encourage education, and elevate the standards of astrophotography. Past participants can also revisit the 2024 judging replays available on YouTube to learn from previous sessions and prepare for the upcoming competition.

Key dates and final notes

The excitement builds as August approaches, when entries officially open. Photographers are encouraged to prepare their best work, read through the competition guidelines, and make the most of the opportunity. The event will culminate in September with live judging, providing an engaging experience for both participants and the wider public.

Those interested in updates can subscribe to the AstroPrize email list to receive reminders and inspiration as the event approaches. The competition’s sponsors, including Celestron, play an important role in making this event possible, providing not only prizes but also visibility for the astrophotography community.

Specifications, price, dates, and details

• Event Name: 2025 Astrophotography Prize
• Entry Period: Opens August 4, 2025; Closes August 31, 2025
• Competition Dates: September 13-14, 2025
• Prize Pool: $12,000 USD total
• Top Prize: Celestron Edge HD 9.25 OTA ($3,000 USD)
• Special Prize: Celestron Origin Intelligent Home Observatory ($4,000 USD)
• Other Prizes: Chroma Filter voucher ($1,175 USD), Deep Sky West subscription ($1,500 USD), Samyang Lens and Move Shoot Move kit ($900 USD), QHY5III678C camera ($500 USD), Astrography vouchers ($200 each)
• Categories: Deep Space, Solar System, Astro Landscape, Remote Imaging
• Entry Fees: Required (discounts available for bundles)
• Judging: Top 25 per category, live on YouTube
• Feedback: Written feedback for all entrants
• Organizer: Astrophotography Prize team