Aleix Roig
SpainAstrophotographer and Astronomer
Also known as: Aleix Roig Mateu, Astrocat
Birthday
Birth Sign
Birthplace
Prades, Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain
Age
42 years old
About
Aleix Roig is a Spanish astrophotographer and astronomer based in Prades, Catalonia. He runs the Astrocat Observatory and serves as an outreach coordinator for the Parc Astronòmic Muntanyes de Prades. His work has gained international acclaim through features on NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day and wins at the Royal Museums Greenwich.
Roig combines advanced business training with grassroots science communication. He manages his observatory while leading educational programs that bridge amateur astronomy with professional research standards. His images of deep-sky objects and solar events are widely shared by global science communities.
Early Life & Background
Raised in the village of Prades within the province of Tarragona, Aleix Roig grew up surrounded by the dark skies of southern Catalonia. This region, known for its proximity to the Muntanyes de Prades Natural Park, provided the perfect environment for his early fascination with the night sky. Unlike many who pursue traditional academic paths immediately, Aleix focused on practical observation and equipment building from a young age.
He established the Astrocat Observatory as a personal hub for imaging and education long before his name appeared in international headlines. His early years were defined by local engagement where he organized stargazing events and promoted the importance of preserving dark sky zones. This foundational work in the Catalan astronomical community set the stage for his later global recognition without seeking fame.
Career Growth
The breakthrough moment for Aleix Roig arrived when his discovery of a previously uncataloged nebula earned it the designation Roig1 Prades. This achievement marked him as a significant contributor to amateur astronomy and caught the attention of major scientific institutions. Following this, his work began appearing in prestigious competitions and on global platforms.
In September 2022, he won the People's Choice Award for Astronomy Photographer of the Year at the Royal Museums Greenwich in London. The following year, NASA selected one of his photographs taken from southern Catalonia for its daily feature, exposing his work to millions of viewers worldwide. By 2026, he continued expanding his reach through expeditions like the Kalahari trip in Namibia, where he highlighted the region's dark skies and space research capabilities.
Career Timeline
Public Image & Style
Roig projects an image of a humble scientist and passionate educator rather than a celebrity figure. His content is characterized by high-contrast, vivid colors and technical precision that emphasizes the awe-inspiring nature of the cosmos. Media portrayals consistently highlight his role as a bridge between amateur enthusiasm and professional scientific standards.
His tone across all platforms is informative and community-focused. He avoids self-promotion in favor of sharing educational insights about the universe. This approach has built a reputation for authenticity and dedication to science communication.
Fame & Fandom (iFAMOUS Rankings)
Aleix Roig holds a respected position among enthusiasts of amateur astronomy, though he does not appear in mainstream celebrity rankings. His influence stems from the quality of his imagery and his ability to explain complex cosmic phenomena to a general audience. As of 2026, his online presence continues to grow steadily through consistent engagement with the science community.
His followers, often referring to themselves as Astrocats due to his handle @astrocatinfo, form a highly organized online community. These fans actively share his images, tag them in global astronomy discussions, and support his fundraising efforts for dark sky preservation. Roig frequently engages back by answering questions about equipment and explaining the science behind his photos, fostering a strong connection with his audience.
Interesting Facts and Legends
Aleix Roig holds a unique dual background combining high-level business education with hands-on scientific exploration. Despite earning an Executive MBA from EADA Business School and completing Executive Education at Harvard Business School, much of his astronomical expertise remains self-taught through years of dedicated fieldwork.
His discovery of the Roig1 Prades nebula stands as a rare honor for an amateur astronomer, resulting in a celestial object bearing his name. He utilizes specialized dual-camera setups specifically designed for capturing comets and solar explosions, a technique he frequently documents on his social media channels for his followers.
Notable Quotes
“Frozen fury... the universe captured in a single frame.”
“Harvard NASA awarded astrophotographer.”
Family & Personal Life
Aleix Roig maintains a relatively private personal life compared to his public scientific persona. Public records do not detail information about his parents or siblings, reflecting his choice to keep family matters out of the spotlight. He currently resides in Prades, Tarragona, where his home-based observatory operates.
His immediate household focuses on his work at the Astrocat Observatory. While he keeps his romantic life and children details undisclosed, his professional circle includes collaborators at the Parc Astronòmic Muntanyes de Prades and various international partners in the astronomy community.
Notable Connections
Relationships & Dating History
Aleix Roig maintains a private stance regarding his romantic life. There are no public records of marriages, engagements, divorces, or high-profile relationships documented in credible sources. His focus remains strictly on his scientific achievements, photography, and educational outreach.
As of 2026, he is reported to be single. Any speculation about his relationship status lacks verification in media outlets. He appears to prioritize his work at the Astrocat Observatory and his expeditions over public personal disclosures, keeping his dating history away from the spotlight.
Salary, Net Worth In 2026
$100,000
iFANN Editorial Team estimate
iFANN Editorial Team estimates Aleix Roig's net worth at approximately $100,000 as of 2026. This figure reflects his income primarily from his role as a manager and outreach coordinator at the Parc Astronòmic Muntanyes de Prades, a position typical for professionals in the Spanish cultural sector.
Additional revenue streams include selling photography prints, winning grants, and receiving stipends from organizations like NASA for featured work. He also generates income by leading astrophotography workshops and guiding expeditions to locations like the Kalahari Desert. Unlike celebrities with massive endorsement deals, his wealth derives from professional employment and niche artistic sales rather than commercial ventures.
Awards Won (2)
Aleix Roig has secured top honors in the field of astrophotography, including the People's Choice Award at the Royal Museums Greenwich in 2022. His selection for NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day in 2023 further cemented his status as a leading voice in amateur astronomy. These accolades recognize both his technical skill and his contribution to public science education.
2022 · Astronomy Photographer of the Year
Deep-sky imaging collection
2023 · Feature Selection
Solar explosion photograph from Prades
Known For
Roig1 Prades
2022 · Discoverer
Astronomy Photographer of the Year
2022 · Winner
NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day
2023 · Featured Photographer
Keywords
Sources
Quick Facts
- Observatory Name
- Astrocat Observatory
- Education
- Executive MBA from EADA Business School
- Location
- Prades, Tarragona, Spain
Personal Details
- Full Name
- Aleix Roig Mateu
- Children
- Education
- Executive MBA from EADA Business School; Executive Education at Harvard Business School
Frequently Asked Questions
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