DarkSky International Names 31 Capture the Dark 2026 Winners as Light Pollution Rises 10% Yearly
Updated
Updated · PetaPixel · Aug 14
DarkSky International Names 31 Capture the Dark 2026 Winners as Light Pollution Rises 10% Yearly
2 articles · Updated · PetaPixel · Aug 14
Summary
DarkSky International unveiled 31 winning images in its sixth annual Capture the Dark contest after drawing a record number of entries from photographers in more than 30 countries.
Nearly 10% annual growth in global light pollution underpins the contest’s message, with DarkSky using the photos to spotlight harm to wildlife, community well-being and access to dark skies.
Nine standard categories produced top-three finishers, alongside a Star Trek 60 special category and one People’s Choice Award, spanning nightscapes, deep-sky images, wildlife and smartphone photography.
Category winners included Paul Wilson in Nightscapes, Kat Lawman in International Dark Sky Places and Ethan Keller for the People’s Choice northern-lights image, while the broader campaign supports DarkSky’s advocacy for responsible outdoor lighting.