The 2025 Milky Way Photographer of the Year awards have arrived, bringing stunning views of our galaxy from Earth and space. Sponsored by Capture the Atlas, the contest is now in its 8th year. For the first time, the contest includes an image taken from space by NASA astronaut Don Pettit.
Pettit used an orbital star tracker aboard the International Space Station (ISS) to photograph the Milky Way. This offers a unique off-planet perspective, showing the boundless beauty of the galaxy. Dan Zafra, co-founder and chief photographer of Capture the Atlas, reviewed some of the winning skyscapes.
He also shared tips for capturing your own Milky Way masterpieces. One of the most spectacular photos is “Double Milky Way Arch Over Matterhorn” by Angel Fux. Captured in Switzerland at an altitude of 10,500 feet, this image showcases a rare double arch.
Both the winter and summer Milky Way appear together. The photograph is a blend of frames taken hours apart, preserving the arch positions and capturing the dawn-lit foreground. Another stunning image is “Bottle Tree Paradise” by Benjamin Barakat.
Taken in Yemen, this photo highlights the unique bottle trees of Socotra Island.
Milky Way from Earth and Space
These trees are known for their water-storing trunks, evolved due to long isolation and harsh climate.
The result of years of shooting, the image shows the Milky Way beautifully framed by the distinctive landscape. Luis Cajete’s “The Wave” captures the Milky Way amidst stunning sandstone formations in Utah. This geological wonder required special access permits to preserve its beauty for future generations.
The photo, taken under intensely cold conditions, is a tribute to one of nature’s masterpieces. “Tololo Lunar Eclipse Sky” by Petr Horálek shows the Milky Way during a total lunar eclipse on March 14, 2025. Captured in Chile at the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory, the darkened moon allowed the Milky Way and other celestial features to stand out prominently.
From Guatemala’s summit of Volcán de Fuego, Sergio Montúfar’s “Cosmic Fire” captures a dramatic night. The erupting volcano contrasts brilliantly with the Milky Way above, creating mesmerizing visual depth. These images, taken from varied and often challenging locations across the globe and beyond, inspire awe.
They encourage astrophotographers to explore and capture the night sky’s spectacular beauty. This year’s Milky Way photography contest features 10 of the best photos from Earth and space. Enjoy these breathtaking views and let them inspire your next stargazing adventure!
