Our annual photo contest celebrates the power of the night sky with astrophotography and related photos. The contest is free to enter and open to all ages.

2026 contest

Get your cameras ready. The world’s premier nighttime photography contest is back.

DarkSky’s 2026 Capture the Dark contest opens Friday, May 1, inviting photographers around the world to capture the beauty and importance of the night.

Submissions are open May 1 through June 30. Share your best work for a chance at global recognition and help tell the story of why the night matters. All entries should follow DarkSky’s Principles of Responsible Astrophotography.

Past winners