DarkSky International announces winners of the 2026 Capture the Dark photography contest

TUCSON, AZ — DarkSky International is proud to announce the winners of Capture the Dark 2026, the premier global nighttime photography contest.

Now in its sixth year, Capture the Dark has become a globally recognized event, gaining acclaim and influence not only within the dark sky movement but across the broader photography community. It is widely regarded as a leading platform for responsible nighttime and astrophotography, encouraging photographers to use ethical practices (DarkSky’s Principles for Responsible Astrophotography) while capturing the wonder and importance of dark skies and the nighttime environment.

This year’s contest received a record-breaking 2,288 submissions from more than 30 countries, showcasing everything from sweeping Milky Way vistas to elusive nocturnal wildlife.

Light pollution is increasing at an alarming rate- nearly 10% each year worldwide- disrupting wildlife, affecting community well-being, and making it harder to experience the beauty of the night sky. DarkSky International is working to change this through advocacy, education, and programs that encourage responsible, community-friendly outdoor lighting.

Capture the Dark is an important part of this effort, using the power of photography to showcase the beauty of the night while highlighting the harmful effects of light pollution through a variety of contest categories.

The result is more than a collection of breathtaking photographs- it’s a powerful call to action to protect and preserve the night.

2026 contest first place winners

Deep Sky Observations: Julien De Winter, The Dementors of Cepheus (LBN 528 & LBN 532), Wardens of a Dead Star (SNR G110.3+11.3)

International Dark Sky Places: Kathryn Lawman, Window to Orion

Quality Lighting and Design: Ross Steensland, Little Mt Hoffman

The Impact of Light Pollution: Kouyu Wang, Artifical Comet

Creatures of the Night: Tom Rae, The Chasm

Mobile Nighttime Photography: Enrique Barquet, Aurora Over Mount Shuksan

Young Astrophotographers: Norah Swann, River of Light

People’s Choice Award: Ethan Keller, The Great Bear and the Rainbow Bridge La Grande Ourse et le pont arc-en-ciel

Nighttime Adventures: Dennis Lehtonen, Aurora over the Prince Christian Sound

Nightscapes: Paul Wilson, Razorback

Explore the gallery

Visit our winners gallery to view the full collection of winning photographs, including second and third-place winners.

Thank you to our participants and sponsors

DarkSky International and our team of contest organizers and judges extend our gratitude and appreciation to all participating photographers for making this year’s contest our biggest and most celebrated yet. We also thank our event sponsors—Star Trek 60, Under Canvas, Celestron, Visit Tucson, and Visit Utah—and our prize sponsors—Sky View Tents, Lensbaby, Oberwerk, Vaonis, GoPro, PhotoPills, Move Shoot Move, and LRTimelapse—for making this event possible.

About DarkSky International

DarkSky International is the leading global organization working to protect the night from light pollution. Since 1988, DarkSky has promoted responsible outdoor lighting and supported a worldwide network of advocates, partners, and certified Dark Sky Places. Learn more at www.darksky.org.

Media contact

Drew Reagan
Communications Manager
DarkSky International
[email protected]