The Astrophotography Prize
Winning the Astrophotography Prize is a defining milestone in an astrophotographer’s career, carrying lasting recognition as part of your professional legacy. It reflects a high level of technical skill, creative vision, and commitment to the craft, and is increasingly recognised within the global astrophotography community.
Judged by an exceptional panel of internationally respected astrophotographers and supported by significant prizes and an international exhibition, the competition is designed to reward excellence and elevate standards across the field.
Unique among competitions, the Astrophotography Prize is run entirely by working astrophotographers, without government funding or media backing, and entry fees are directed solely toward essential operational costs.
This independence ensures a strong focus on education, integrity, and meaningful feedback, with all decisions made to support and advance the global astrophotography community.
It is also the only worldwide astrophotography competition offering transparent, live judging and detailed written critique from world-class practitioners, giving entrants rare insight into how their work is assessed at the highest level.
See the winners
Free Image Critique Session 1
Would you like feedback from experienced astrophotographers and AstroPrize judges on improving your entries?
Wednesday 3 June, 11:30 am AEST
Tuesday 2 June, 6:30 pm PDT • 9:30 pm EDT • 3:30 am CEST
Our judging panel will provide constructive feedback and practical suggestions to help strengthen your images for competition. All images will remain anonymous, and scores will not be discussed.
Enter NowLimit of 1 image per person.
To receive the private YouTube link for the session. You’ll also need to register if you’d simply like to watch.
The session will be recorded and made available to link holders on YouTube after the live broadcast.
Save the 2026 dates
Meet our International Exhibition Partner
Exhibition Launch: October 2026
In October 2026, Chabot will open a major public exhibition featuring stunning printed images from the Astrophotography Prize 2026, curated and selected by the Chabot team. The exhibition will run for one full year, with events and presentations showcasing some of the best astrophotography in the world.
Want to see your work on the walls at Chabot?
- To be considered for exhibition, you’ll need to place in the Top 25 of your category in the Astrophotography Prize 2026.
- The top 25 will be announced after Round 2, with category winners kept confidential until October.
- Winners announced live at the exhibition opening: US: Friday 9 October Australia: Saturday 10 October
- The exhibition opens to the public on 10–11 October (US).
This is a huge international opportunity, and we can’t wait to see what you create!
Our 2026 Partners
Categories for 2026
