Unleash Your Lens on the Universe: The 2025 ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year Awards Are Now Open!

Prepare to turn your gaze skyward and capture the breathtaking beauty of the cosmos! The world-renowned ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2025 competition, presented by Royal Museums Greenwich, has officially opened its doors for entries. This prestigious competition invites astrophotographers from across the globe – whether seasoned professionals or enthusiastic amateurs – to share their most stunning and innovative images of the universe.

Now in its 17th year, the competition continues to celebrate the wonder of our night sky, from the familiar glow of our Moon to the distant whispers of galaxies millions of light-years away.

Sponsored by ZWO, a leading innovator in astronomy cameras and accessories, this award stands as a beacon for artistic and scientific excellence in astrophotography, promising to unveil the next generation of iconic cosmic imagery.

Astrophotographers are encouraged to explore a vast array of subjects across diverse categories, ensuring there's a place for every vision of the cosmos.

Categories include capturing the ethereal dance of Aurorae, the intricate details of Galaxies, the familiar craters of Our Moon, the fiery spectacle of Our Sun, or the vibrant hues of Planets, Comets and Asteroids. Delve into the deep sky with Stars and Nebulae, or blend terrestrial landscapes with celestial backdrops in Skyscapes.

The competition also nurtures emerging talent through the Young Astronomy Photographer of the Year category, open to entrants aged 16 and under.

Additionally, special awards like People and Space highlight the human connection to the cosmos, the Best Newcomer prize celebrates fresh perspectives, and the Annie Maunder Prize for Image Innovation champions cutting-edge techniques and processing.

The stakes are high, with an impressive prize pool designed to reward excellence.

The overall winner will be crowned ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year and receive a substantial cash prize of £10,000. Category winners will each receive £1,750, while runners-up get £500, and highly commended entries earn £250. Beyond the financial rewards, winning and shortlisted images gain unparalleled exposure, being showcased in a spectacular exhibition at the National Maritime Museum in London.

Winners also receive a year's subscription to BBC Sky at Night Magazine and a coveted ZWO ASI585MC Pro camera for the overall winner, and a ZWO ASI220MM Mini camera for the Young Astronomy Photographer of the Year.

A distinguished panel of judges, comprising experts from the worlds of art, astronomy, and photography, will meticulously review entries.

The panel includes Dr. Emily Drabek-Maunder, Senior Curator for Astronomy at Royal Museums Greenwich; Melissa Brobby, Features Editor for BBC Sky at Night Magazine; and astrophotographer and science communicator Dr. Sheila Kanani, among other luminaries. Their combined expertise ensures a fair and insightful evaluation of both technical skill and artistic merit.

Entering the competition is free and straightforward, requiring online submission via the Royal Museums Greenwich website.

The submission window is now open, but mark your calendars: the deadline for all entries is 10:00 GMT on Friday, March 7, 2025. This gives you ample time to plan your shots, perfect your processing, and submit your celestial masterpieces.

For nearly two decades, the ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition has not only showcased breathtaking imagery but also inspired countless individuals to look up and appreciate the universe around them.

It serves as a powerful reminder of the beauty, mystery, and profound scale of space, encouraging both scientific curiosity and artistic expression.

So, whether you're capturing a familiar constellation from your backyard or trekking to remote locations for dark skies, now is your chance to shine.

Polish your lenses, calibrate your equipment, and let your passion for the cosmos guide your lens. The universe awaits your vision!