The 2026 Milky Way Photographer of the Year competition, organized by Capture the Atlas, received over 6,500 submissions from photographers around the world. From these, 25 images were selected, showcasing 12 different regions, including the Canary Islands, New Zealand, and the United States.
The winning images highlight the beauty of the Milky Way from diverse landscapes, such as volcanic peaks, deserts, and coastal areas. The competition aims to celebrate astrophotography and the natural night sky.
Capture the Atlas, a platform dedicated to travel and photography, has run this annual contest since 2018. The 2026 edition continues the tradition of featuring breathtaking views of our galaxy.
