Last updated
    Aleix Roig

    Aleix Roig

    Spain flagSpain
    Celebrity

    Astrophotographer 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

    2019Participates in IAU Symposium highlighting unity of professional and amateur astronomers
    2022Wins People's Choice Award for Astronomy Photographer of the Year at Royal Museums Greenwich
    2023Featured on NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day for image taken in southern Catalonia
    2024Captures and releases images of the brightest comet of recent years
    2026Leads highlights on Namibia's dark skies during Kalahari expedition

    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

    Parc Astronòmic Muntanyes de Prades, NASA, Royal Museums Greenwich, Harvard Business School, EADA Business School.

    Relationships & Dating History

    As of 2026:Single

    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

    Won

    2023 · Feature Selection

    Solar explosion photograph from Prades

    Won
    View all 6 awards, honours and achievements

    Known For

    Roig1 Prades

    2022 · Discoverer

    Astronomy Photographer of the Year

    2022 · Winner

    NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day

    2023 · Featured Photographer

    Keywords

    astrophotographerastronomerPradesNASARoyal Museums GreenwichAstrocat ObservatoryRoig1 Prades

    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

    What did Aleix Roig discover?
    He discovered a new, previously uncataloged nebula now officially designated as Roig1 Prades. He is also known for capturing detailed images of comets and solar explosions that have been featured internationally.
    Is Aleix Roig married?
    There is no public record of Aleix Roig being married. He keeps his personal life private and is currently reported as single as of 2026.
    Where is Aleix Roig from?
    He is from Prades, Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain. This location is home to the Astrocat Observatory which he founded and manages.
    What awards has Aleix Roig won?
    He won the People's Choice Award for Astronomy Photographer of the Year in 2022 and was featured on NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day in 2023.
    How tall is Aleix Roig?
    Height is not publicly listed for the astrophotographer Aleix Roig. Note that a footballer with the same name is listed at 1.84 meters tall.

    Join the community

    fans discussing