DarkSky International announced the winners of the Capture the Dark 2026 photography contest on Aug. 20.
The competition highlights the intersection of art and astronomy, bringing global attention to the beauty of the night sky and the importance of preserving dark-sky environments.
This year marked the sixth edition [3] of the annual event. The contest attracted 2,288 submissions [1] from photographers representing 30 countries [1]. The entries spanned a wide variety of celestial phenomena, including galaxies, and auroras.
Photographer Tom Rae earned the first-place prize for an image captured in a New Zealand cave. To achieve the shot, Rae rappelled 330 ft [2] into the cave system. The resulting image showcases an otherworldly perspective of the subterranean environment combined with the night sky.
Organizers said the competition aims to celebrate night-time and astrophotography through a global platform. By showcasing the technical and physical challenges photographers undertake—such as Rae's descent into a cave—the contest emphasizes the effort required to document the natural world in low-light conditions.
The 2026 gallery includes a diverse range of imagery from across the globe. The submissions reflect a growing international interest in astrophotography and the specialized equipment needed to capture deep-space objects, and atmospheric light displays.
“The contest attracted 2,288 submissions from photographers representing 30 countries.”
The growth of the Capture the Dark competition suggests an increasing public and artistic interest in light pollution awareness. By rewarding high-effort imagery, such as Rae's cave photography, DarkSky International promotes the value of remote, undisturbed natural sites that remain free from urban light encroachment.
