Organized by Capture the Atlas, the 2026 Milky Way Photographer of the Year saw a record number of submissions, with more than 6,500 entries representing a wide range of landscapes and perspectives around the world. Just 25 were selected as the top images, representing 12 different regions from the Canary Islands to New Zealand to Argentina.
“Every year, this collection reminds us that photographing the Milky Way is not only about technique or planning. It is about curiosity, patience, and the desire to experience the night sky in places where it still feels wild,” says Dan Zafra, editor of Capture the Atlas and curator of the annual contest. “Many of these skies are becoming increasingly rare, and we hope these images inspire people not only to admire them, but also to value and protect them.”
Brendan Larsen, “Milky Way over Syme Hut and Mt. Taranaki.” Syme Hut, Mt Taranaki, New Zealand
Max Terwindt, “Caldera Galaxy Panorama.” La Palma, Canary Islands
Lukasz Remkowicz, “Milky Way over the Tatra Mountains.” Jurgów, Poland
Leonel Padron, “Lost in the Ripples of Space and Time.” Pinnacles Desert, Nambung, Western Australia
Anastasia Gulova, “Galaxy on the Rise.” Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
Daniel Viñé Garcia, “My Perfect Night.” Catamarca, Argentina
Anthony Lopez, “Celestial Light over Sea Cliffs.” Saint Raphaël, French Riviera
Uroš Fink, “Geminid Symphony Over La Palma’s Guardian of the Sky.” Roque de los Muchachos GTC Telescope, La Palma
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