Showcase your astrophotography at European AstroFest

Are you ready to showcase your astronomical talents?

Join the AstroFest Imaging Competition sponsored by Celestron and be in with a chance to win incredible prizes worth £5,000!

Under 18

Win a Celestron Nexstar 5SE

Any object, be it planetary or deep sky, is fair game in the under-18s competition.

Solar System

Win a Celestron Nexstar 8SE

The Sun, planets, the Moon and comets are all bonafide choices for images in this category.

Deep Sky

Win a Celestron Nexstar EVO8

From stars and constellations to star clusters, nebulae and galaxies, this category is for the Universe beyond our Solar System.

Back for its second year, the exciting AstroFest Imaging Competition invites enthusiasts of all ages to capture the beauty of the cosmos in three categories: ‘Deep Sky,’ ‘Solar System,’ and ‘Under 18.’

Whether you’re a seasoned astrophotographer or a budding young talent, this is your opportunity to shine among the stars. Your work will be seen by a panel of esteemed judges who appreciate the artistry and science of celestial imaging.

Entering is simple — just click the button below, fill out the form and let your creativity soar!

Competition terms and conditions

  • Entrants must be European residents.
  • Submitted entries must not have been previously published in print (books/magazines) or been a winner or runner-up in any other imaging competitions.
  • Only one entry per entrant per category.
  • The judges will choose the top four images in each category for display at European AstroFest 2025, and from these four images in each category will select the overall winners at the event.
  • The competition launches 1st September 2024, and closes at 11.59pm GMT on 12th January 2025. Any entries received after this date will not be considered.
  • The prizes do not include anything other than what is described above. There is no cash alternative.
  • Images must be taken in person by the entrant. Images taken over the Internet using robotic telescopes cannot be entered. Any AI-generated images will be disqualified.
  • Entries must include the following details: entrant’s name, entrant’s age on 12 January 2025. if under 18, entrant’s address and contact details (phone and e-mail), plus the date(s) the image was taken (in UTC), where it was taken from, the type of telescope, camera, filters, mounts and other equipment used, the length and number of subs, ISO number if applicable, and any processing information.
  • Images format must be JPEG, TIFF or PNG. Please supply the highest-resolution version available. Please do not add signatures to images.
  • The winners will be announced at European AstroFest 2025, and then posted on europeanastrofest.com, on social media channels and in Astronomy Now magazine. Winners will also be notified individually via e-mail.
  • We will not be held liable for entries that are damaged or corrupted.
  • Entrants to the under-18 category must have the support of a responsible adult, either a parent, family member, guardian or teacher. The adult must also provide their own contact details and confirm that the image is the sole work of the entrant.
  • Personal data provided will be used solely for the purposes of administrating the competition. Winners will allow their details to be shared with competition sponsors Celestron for the purpose of sending their prize to them.
  • Entrants will allow their image to be published in a gallery in a future issue of Astronomy Now, and on astronomynow.com and europeanastrofest.com.
  • The organiser’s decision is final.

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Explore highlights from our 2024 event

Take a look at last years amazing European AstroFest with our full report on everything the conference and exhibition had to offer.

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