Competition closing date: 12pm GMT (midday) 4 March 2022

Photographers of all skill levels are invited to submit up to 10 images to the competition.

There are separate photography prizes open to adults, young photographers and astrophotography newcomers. A full list of competition categories is below.

All entrants have a chance of winning cash prizes, seeing their image displayed in an exhibition at the National Maritime Museum, a year’s subscription to BBC Sky at Night magazine, and a copy of the Astronomy Photographer of the Year publication. 

Explore spectacular winning images from previous competitions and our latest exhibition at the National Maritime Museum to see examples of award-winning astrophotography images. 

The competition is now open.

• If you are new to the competition, you’ll need to register and set up a competition account

• The Adult competition is open to anyone aged 16 and over, and the Young competition is open to anyone under 16

• You may submit a total of 10 images to be considered

• There will be a £10 fee per entrant. Entrants to the Young Competition and special prizes are exempt

• The overall winner's prize across all Adult categories is £10,000. Keep reading this page for full details about the prizes on offer.