ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2027

What the latest rules say

From the 2026 rules (ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year 18). The next edition’s rules may differ.

• AI (rule 3.12): “Generative imagery and ‘AI Art’ are not eligible for submission.” “The use of machine learning software, such as Pixinsight and plugins including Starnet++; StarXTerminator; NoiseXTerminator; Topaz DeNoize AI; and similar editing aids that do not add additional data are permitted but must be declared.” Undeclared use may lead to disqualification.
• “Images captured using equipment featuring AI image-enhancement tools and generative image-creation firmware/software that cannot be deactivated, such as certain smartphone brands, are not eligible.” “Any AI tools may be used in the processing of astronomical data for entry in the Annie Maunder Open Category”, but rule 6.5 adds: “Entrants may NOT use AI-generated data or any other artificial data.”
• Files: the rules ask for no RAW or original files. “Images should be submitted as high-res TIFF, PNG or JPEG files.” (rule 3.13) and “You may be asked questions about your image during our data checking period.” (rule 7.2).
• Eligibility: Adult entrants “aged 16 or over on the Closing Date”; Young entrants “aged 15 or under on the Closing Date”, with parent or guardian consent. Up to ten images, “taken after 1 January 2025 (unless entered into The Annie Maunder Open Category)”. Photos entered in previous years and “photos that have been published in other competitions” are not eligible.
• Licence (rule 8.3): entrants grant RMG “a non-exclusive, irrevocable worldwide, royalty-free licence to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, and publish or communicate to the public any image, by any means, entered into the competition”.