Double Arch Death Valley taken by Dan Zafra, Second Place, International Dark Sky Places.
Important dates and contest rules
Mark your calendar with key dates for this year’s Capture the Dark competition, read our contest rules, terms, and conditions, and check out our Outreach and media kit.
Submission period - May 1st to June 30th
Photographers are invited to submit their images during the official competition window.
Winners announced - August 2026
Winning images will be revealed and celebrated on the Capture the Dark website and DarkSky channels.
Prizes and awards
Category and location award winners will receive a variety of honors, including prominent recognition across DarkSky’s communication channels and a curated selection of prizes generously provided by this year’s contest sponsors.
Past Capture the Dark winners
Last year’s Capture the Dark winners showed us what’s possible when creativity meets the night.
From sweeping nightscapes and celestial wonders to intimate moments of life after dark, these images celebrate the beauty, mystery, and importance of natural darkness.
Explore the winning photographs from 2025 and experience the night through the eyes of photographers from around the world.
Join the movement
Every image shared through Capture the Dark is more than a photograph — it’s a call to protect the beauty and importance of the night. As light pollution increases, so does the global community choosing a different future, where stars remain visible and darkness supports wildlife and human well-being.
Sign up for DarkSky’s monthly newsletter and receive inspiring stories, stunning photography, information about upcoming events, and simple ways to help safeguard the night — straight to your inbox.
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