Majestic Milky Way Photographs Celebrate Australia's Dark Skies
The 2026 Capture the Dark photography contest has announced its winners, featuring stunning images of the Milky Way and other celestial phenomena
The 2026 Capture the Dark photography contest has wrapped up, and the winning images are a testament to the beauty of the night sky. The contest, run by DarkSky International, aims to highlight the importance of reducing light pollution and protecting the nighttime environment.
Winning Images The winning images feature a range of celestial phenomena, from the Milky Way to auroras and galaxies. Three images in particular stood out, showcasing the remarkable clarity of Australia's dark skies. These images not only demonstrate the skill of the photographers but also highlight the importance of preserving the night sky.
The first image, titled "The Chasm", features a luminous green glow of glow worms lining the walls of a deep natural cavern, with the Milky Way shimmering overhead. The image was taken by astrophotographer Tom Rae, who rappelled over 330ft into a vast cave system on New Zealand's North Island at night. The technical details of the image are: Tracked panorama | Nikon Z8 + Z7II | Nikkor 20mm f/1.8 + Sigma 40mm f/1.4 | 180 sec / 30 sec • f/1.8 • ISO6,400 / 1,600.
Technical Details The technical details of the winning images are as follows: | Image | Camera | Lens | Exposure | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | The Chasm | Nikon Z8 + Z7II | Nikkor 20mm f/1.8 + Sigma 40mm f/1.4 | 180 sec / 30 sec • f/1.8 • ISO6,400 / 1,600 | | Razorback | Canon EOS R5 | Sigma 28mm Art | 30 secs • f/2.5 • ISO3200 | | Aurora over the Prince Christian Sound | Sony A7 IV | Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM | 2.5 secs • f/1.8 • ISO2000 |
The second image, titled "Razorback", features the Milky Way arching over distant mountains, with a winding dirt road in the midground. The image was taken by Paul Wilson, who said that the image "celebrates the remarkable clarity of Australia's dark skies, where multiple celestial phenomena can be experienced together above an iconic outback landscape".
Importance of Dark Skies The winning images highlight the importance of preserving the night sky and reducing light pollution. According to DarkSky International, the growing threat to our night sky is a major concern, and the organization advocates for reduced light pollution and protection of the nighttime environment. The images featured in the contest demonstrate the beauty and importance of preserving the night sky for future generations.
The contest features a range of images, from astrophotography to artificially-lit cityscapes, showcasing the diversity of the night sky and the impact of light pollution. The winning images are a testament to the skill of the photographers and the importance of preserving the night sky.
