DarkSky International's sixth Capture the Dark contest attracted 2,288 entries from 30 countries, highlighting growing public and commercial interest in night‑sky preservation and astrophotography
Executive summary: The Guardian published a gallery of the winning photographs from DarkSky International's 2026 Capture the Dark contest, the sixth edition of the annual night‑time photography competition. The high participation (2,288 entries from 30 countries) signals growing public and commercial interest in dark‑sky preservation and astrophotography, which can drive demand for related equipment, tourism, and lighting‑policy advocacy.
Who is involved: DarkSky International (organizer), photographers from 30 countries, The Guardian (publisher).
Likely next: DarkSky International will likely announce the 2027 contest timeline in early 2027; media outlets may feature the winning images in science and travel sections.
The Guardian reports the winning images from DarkSky International's 2026 Capture the Dark photography competition, the sixth annual edition. The contest drew 2,288 submissions from photographers in 30 countries, underscoring a sustained global engagement with night‑sky imaging. The selection showcases technical skill and artistic interpretation of dark environments, reflecting broader cultural attention to light pollution. No financial or regulatory implications are disclosed in the coverage.
Timeline
- — Capture the Dark 2026: Winning photographs (The Guardian — Science)
Key entities
Sources
- Capture the Dark 2026: Winning photographs — The Guardian — Science