2023 Milky Way Photographer of the Year contest unveils jaw-dropping winning photos

Capture the Atlas‘ Milky Way Photographer of the Year has just announced its 2023 winners. Like every year, there isn’t just one photo to rule them all – there is an entire gallery of 25 breathtaking images. We bring you a selection of winners, so let’s dive in and enjoy these marvelous starry sky photos from all over the world.

[Related reading: The best northern lights photos of 2022 are absolutely spectacular]

Now in its sixth year, the contest had over 3,000 entries. “It’s been tough to choose the final list,” Capture the Atlas founder Dan Zafra tells DIYP, “but I think we have the most spectacular selection we have ever made with unique images from around the world.” Going through the selection, I understood why Dan had such a hard time choosing the winners. They’re all absolutely splendid!

Among this year’s winners, you can see photos taken in 16 countries around the world: the US, Australia, New Zealand, Madagascar, Chile, Argentina, Namibia, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Spain, Slovenia, Japan, Iran, Peru, Yemen, and Indonesia. There are 25 winning photos by 25 different photographers.

Dan notes that The Milky Way can be photographed all year. However, its core is only visible from late March to early October. The peak visibility is throughout May and June, and this is why Capture the Atlas shares contest winners in June each year. Other than timing, you also need a dark sky far away from light pollution. “It’s always recommended to get away from light-polluted areas like cities and to visit preferably areas at higher elevations,” Dan explains. And indeed, these splendid images were all taken somewhere far from city lights.

I leave you now to the selection of Milky Way Photographer of the Year winners. You can view the entire gallery on Capture the Atlas and enjoy! If it inspires you for your own Milky Way photos, check out the shooting guide and viewing chart for 2023 here. Now’s the perfect time to get those shots!