These Ten Breathtaking Images From the 2026 Milky Way Photographer of the Year Contest Capture the Beauty of Our Galaxy
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The 2026 Milky Way Photographer of the Year Contest has announced its winners, showcasing stunning astrophotographs from around the globe. The competition, organized by Dan Zafra, aims to highlight the beauty of the night sky and raise awareness about light pollution. This year's collection features images from locations such as New Zealand, Italy, and Botswana, emphasizing the need to protect these rare dark skies.
- ▪The contest recognizes 25 stunning photographs of the Milky Way.
- ▪Winners were announced from various locations including Florida, Italy, and New Zealand.
- ▪Dan Zafra emphasizes the importance of curiosity and patience in capturing the night sky.
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These Ten Breathtaking Images From the 2026 Milky Way Photographer of the Year Contest Capture the Beauty of Our Galaxy The gorgeous astrophotographs highlight the dazzling night sky and remind viewers what we risk losing to light pollution Margherita Bassi | Daily Correspondent May 19, 2026 12:03 p.m. ShareCopy linkEmailSMSFacebookXRedditLinkedInBlueskyPrintAdd as preferred source "Night at the Remarkables" Tom Rae via Capture the Atlas Since 2018, astrophotographer Dan Zafra has organized and curated Capture the Atlas’ Milky Way Photographer of the Year, a competition that recognizes 25 gorgeous snapshots of the remarkable spiral galaxy that our solar system resides in.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Smithsonian Magazine.
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