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.

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).