ACM students among the top six global works in the ZWO - Greenwich Best Astrophotographer 2026 competition

In a new global achievement for the American College of the Middle East (ACM), the project “A Rose With Many Faces,” prepared by a distinguished group of students from the college’s Astronomy Club, has qualified as one of six works shortlisted for the final nominations in the Annie Maunder Open Category of the ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2026 competition, organized by the Royal Observatory Greenwich in the United Kingdom. This category allows participants to submit astronomical images that employ diverse methods of image and data processing, combining scientific accuracy with artistic vision and creativity.

ACM Students’ Project Shortlisted for Global Competition Final and to Be Exhibited at Greenwich Museum

The ACM students’ project was selected among the top six works shortlisted for the final nominations, out of approximately 4,000 images submitted by 769 participants from around the world. As part of the participation, the project will be exhibited at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, London, for a full year, and will also be included in the competition’s annual catalog.

Astrophotography and Diverse Processing Methods

The “A Rose With Many Faces” project began within the ACM Astronomy Club. ACM students spent approximately 20 hours over four nights using a Vespera Pro smart telescope provided by the college, along with other systems, to capture details of the Rosette Nebula in space.

They then used PixInsight software to process the captured images, creating nine different versions, each reflecting a team member’s unique approach to color selection and image processing. These versions were combined into a single image showcasing their diverse perspectives on the same celestial object, representing a significant creative achievement in design thinking and collaborative scientific work.

Students’ Experiences in the Astronomy Club: From Scientific Exploration to Skill Development

Regarding the impact of the Astronomy Club experience on executing the “A Rose With Many Faces” project, and the opportunities it provided for exploring celestial bodies, expanding scientific knowledge, and developing research, presentation, and communication skills, as well as boosting self-confidence and teamwork abilities, student Fadak Al-Sayegh noted that having their project shortlisted for the final nominations and included in the official catalog made the experience even more meaningful to her. She said she joined the club to try a new activity, which evolved into a deeper interest in understanding celestial bodies and analyzing their images. She added, “Research and presentations also posed additional challenges for me. Over time, presentations in my courses became less stressful. I now feel more confident speaking and explaining information, even when I am nervous. I believe the club taught me that feeling nervous does not necessarily mean I am incapable of doing something.”

For her part, student Dana Al-Mashmoom discussed how joining the Astronomy Club changed her perspective on the sky and celestial bodies, saying, “I used to think that every bright object we see at night is a star, but viewing a planet through a handheld telescope changed that belief. Additionally, photographing the moon revealed details I never imagined I could see so clearly. Discovering nebulae and galaxies increased my curiosity and desire to explore. Overall, this experience changed the way I look at the night sky and made me appreciate the beauty and wonders of the universe even more.”

Meanwhile, student Thanaa Al-Rifai pointed out that her participation in the club helped her discover her ability to achieve results under difficult circumstances and strengthened her relationships with peers. She said, “This experience made me realize how much I can accomplish, even during challenging times.”

She spoke about her collaboration with her colleague Fath al-Gharib in astronomical work, explaining that mutual trust and joint efforts helped both of them exchange knowledge and better understand astronomical topics.

From the Physics Club to the Establishment of the Astronomy Club

The Physics Club at ACM was established in 2021. Its initial activities included using the Python programming language to simulate mechanical systems, before students’ interests expanded to include theoretical physics and astrophysics.

In 2025, the Astronomy Club was established independently from the Physics Club, under the supervision of physics teacher and ACM Physics Club advisor, Engineer Professor Abdulaziz Al-Qanaei. Astronomy Club members learned to use traditional and smart telescopes, capture and process astronomical images, and study scientific phenomena associated with the celestial bodies they observe.

The club’s activities expanded with full support from the college, enabling 13 students to visit the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Switzerland, the world’s largest research institution in this field. During the visit, they learned about particle physics and the technologies used in its study, and participated in a practical workshop on Positron Emission Tomography (PET), which is used in medical imaging.

ACM: Supporting the Educational and Pedagogical Process

ACM is a leading college in the State of Kuwait in the field of higher education. It holds academic accreditation for all its current programs from the international bodies ABET and ACBSP, reflecting its commitment to quality and excellence standards in higher education and reinforcing its status as a fully accredited college.

The educational process at ACM is supported by a comprehensive system of academic resources and facilities, including specialized curricula, laboratories, software, educational systems, and student activities, all of which contribute to developing students’ skills and enhancing their capacity for innovation and competition on the global stage. This is part of the international recognition and accreditation the college enjoys, which supports the excellence of its students and their participation in prestigious international competitions.