The World's Top Milky Way Photographers Capture the Magic of Our Galaxy
Capture the Atlas, a renowned travel and photography blog, has made a name for itself by sharing awe-inspiring images of the cosmos. Its dedication to astrophotography shines each year in its much-anticipated showcase of the best Milky Way photographs. The 2020 edition is no exception, featuring a stunning compilation of the galaxy’s grandeur through the eyes of 25 exceptional photographers from around the world.Editor Dan Zafra, the mind behind the annual roundup, sifted through thousands of submissions to curate a list that includes work from seasoned astrophotographers and fresh voices alike. This year’s contributors hail from 14 different countries, with some capturing the Milky Way from extraordinarily remote places, including the icy expanse of Antarctica.To help others join in the celestial pursuit, Capture the Atlas also publishes a Milky Way calendar each year. This tool guides photographers on the best dates and times to photograph the galactic core, ensuring that aspiring stargazers can plan their shoots for maximum effect.Namibia's Timeless Skies – “Deadvlei” by Stefan Liebermann
At Namib-Naukluft National Park in Namibia, Stefan Liebermann captured the arch of the Milky Way stretching across the ancient clay pan of Deadvlei. The trees, lifeless for over 500 years, stand as skeletal guardians beneath the cosmic veil. The scene merges the haunting stillness of the desert with the infinite reach of the galaxy, creating a surreal and timeless panorama.
Galactic Glow Over Tenerife – “Milky Way over Parque Nacional del Teide” by Mehmet Ergün
Mehmet Ergün shot this awe-inspiring image on Tenerife, a Spanish island renowned for its ideal stargazing conditions. From Parque Nacional del Teide, he captured the Milky Way arching above the rugged landscape, reminding us why this island is considered a paradise for nature lovers and night sky photographers.
Otherworldly Terrain – “Alien Eggs” by Debbie Heyer
In the eerie Badlands of New Mexico, Debbie Heyer photographed rock formations that resemble extraterrestrial nests. Her October photo tour with friends turned into a cosmic adventure as they navigated the bizarre terrain. The galactic backdrop only enhanced the alien-like setting, making for a truly mind-bending image.
Winter’s Quiet Galaxy – “Winter Milky Way” by Dr. Nicholas Roemmelt
Taken in the Dolomites of Italy, this unique photo by Dr. Nicholas Roemmelt shows the Milky Way as seen in the winter season—often overlooked in astrophotography. Despite the galactic core being hidden, the image captures brilliant stars and colorful constellations shining in the cold, crisp mountain air.
Haunting Reflections – “Nightmare” by Michael Goh
At Dumbleyung Lake in Australia, Michael Goh turned a salt lake’s dead tree silhouettes into reaching limbs clawing at the sky. The calm water perfectly reflected the stars above, while Goh used a figure holding a light to bring depth and drama to this fish-eye panorama—a haunting yet beautiful vision of the night.
Antarctic Aurora – “Gran Firmamento” by Jorgelina Alvarez
Shot from Marambio Base in Antarctica, Jorgelina Alvarez’s image captures the galactic center just before it dips below the horizon. The icy foreground, lit with planetary brilliance from Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars, conveys the emotional power of observing the cosmos from one of Earth’s most extreme locations.
Desert Under the Stars – “Desert Nights” by Peter Zelinka
In the Alabama Hills of California, Peter Zelinka found a natural arch that perfectly framed the Milky Way. With the Sierra Mountains in the background and the desert floor beneath, his nights under the June sky turned into a series of magical moments that highlight the peace and power of nature.
Solitude in the Sahara – “Alone & Together in the Stardust” by Marco Carotenuto
Marco Carotenuto’s photo from the Sahara Desert speaks to the emotional depth of astrophotography. Isolated in the vast sands, far from civilization, the shared human experience under the stars became the true subject of this stunning image—a reminder of our collective connection beneath the cosmos.
Advanced Astro-Tech – “Heavenly Throne” by Ryan Smith
Using a Canon EOS Ra, specially designed for astrophotography, Ryan Smith captured intricate details of the Milky Way in the American Southwest. The enhanced hydrogen-alpha ray sensitivity of his camera allowed for unparalleled depth, making this image a technical and artistic triumph.
Natural Frames – “Double Arch” by Pablo Ruiz García
From Spain’s Picos de Europa, Pablo Ruiz García photographed an incredible rock formation that mirrors the galactic arch above. Originally aiming to frame the Milky Way’s center, he shifted perspective to align both arches—nature’s sculpture and the galaxy’s arc—in a powerful celestial composition.
Volcanic Fire and Stars – “Elemental” by Miles Morgan
Miles Morgan’s photograph of Hawaii’s Kilauea Volcano features glowing lava beneath the Milky Way. After a long night watching the skies and tracking celestial alignments, he caught the perfect moment where volcanic fire and stardust aligned in a dramatic and elemental cosmic portrait.
A Celebration of Cosmic Beauty
Capture the Atlas’s annual selection not only showcases photographic mastery but also inspires awe for the night sky. Whether snapped from icy frontiers, desert dunes, or volcanic ridges, each image is a window into our universe and a reminder of its profound beauty. The featured photographers blend skill, patience, and passion to create scenes that both educate and captivate.
Capture the Atlas, a renowned travel and photography blog, has made a name for itself by sharing awe-inspiring images of the cosmos. Its dedication to astrophotography shines each year in its much-anticipated showcase of the best Milky Way photographs. The 2020 edition is no exception, featuring a stunning compilation of the galaxy’s grandeur through the eyes of 25 exceptional photographers from around the world.Editor Dan Zafra, the mind behind the annual roundup, sifted through thousands of submissions to curate a list that includes work from seasoned astrophotographers and fresh voices alike. This year’s contributors hail from 14 different countries, with some capturing the Milky Way from extraordinarily remote places, including the icy expanse of Antarctica.To help others join in the celestial pursuit, Capture the Atlas also publishes a Milky Way calendar each year. This tool guides photographers on the best dates and times to photograph the galactic core, ensuring that aspiring stargazers can plan their shoots for maximum effect.Namibia's Timeless Skies – “Deadvlei” by Stefan Liebermann
At Namib-Naukluft National Park in Namibia, Stefan Liebermann captured the arch of the Milky Way stretching across the ancient clay pan of Deadvlei. The trees, lifeless for over 500 years, stand as skeletal guardians beneath the cosmic veil. The scene merges the haunting stillness of the desert with the infinite reach of the galaxy, creating a surreal and timeless panorama.
Galactic Glow Over Tenerife – “Milky Way over Parque Nacional del Teide” by Mehmet ErgünMehmet Ergün shot this awe-inspiring image on Tenerife, a Spanish island renowned for its ideal stargazing conditions. From Parque Nacional del Teide, he captured the Milky Way arching above the rugged landscape, reminding us why this island is considered a paradise for nature lovers and night sky photographers.
Otherworldly Terrain – “Alien Eggs” by Debbie HeyerIn the eerie Badlands of New Mexico, Debbie Heyer photographed rock formations that resemble extraterrestrial nests. Her October photo tour with friends turned into a cosmic adventure as they navigated the bizarre terrain. The galactic backdrop only enhanced the alien-like setting, making for a truly mind-bending image.
Winter’s Quiet Galaxy – “Winter Milky Way” by Dr. Nicholas RoemmeltTaken in the Dolomites of Italy, this unique photo by Dr. Nicholas Roemmelt shows the Milky Way as seen in the winter season—often overlooked in astrophotography. Despite the galactic core being hidden, the image captures brilliant stars and colorful constellations shining in the cold, crisp mountain air.
Haunting Reflections – “Nightmare” by Michael GohAt Dumbleyung Lake in Australia, Michael Goh turned a salt lake’s dead tree silhouettes into reaching limbs clawing at the sky. The calm water perfectly reflected the stars above, while Goh used a figure holding a light to bring depth and drama to this fish-eye panorama—a haunting yet beautiful vision of the night.
Antarctic Aurora – “Gran Firmamento” by Jorgelina AlvarezShot from Marambio Base in Antarctica, Jorgelina Alvarez’s image captures the galactic center just before it dips below the horizon. The icy foreground, lit with planetary brilliance from Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars, conveys the emotional power of observing the cosmos from one of Earth’s most extreme locations.
Desert Under the Stars – “Desert Nights” by Peter ZelinkaIn the Alabama Hills of California, Peter Zelinka found a natural arch that perfectly framed the Milky Way. With the Sierra Mountains in the background and the desert floor beneath, his nights under the June sky turned into a series of magical moments that highlight the peace and power of nature.
Solitude in the Sahara – “Alone & Together in the Stardust” by Marco CarotenutoMarco Carotenuto’s photo from the Sahara Desert speaks to the emotional depth of astrophotography. Isolated in the vast sands, far from civilization, the shared human experience under the stars became the true subject of this stunning image—a reminder of our collective connection beneath the cosmos.
Advanced Astro-Tech – “Heavenly Throne” by Ryan SmithUsing a Canon EOS Ra, specially designed for astrophotography, Ryan Smith captured intricate details of the Milky Way in the American Southwest. The enhanced hydrogen-alpha ray sensitivity of his camera allowed for unparalleled depth, making this image a technical and artistic triumph.
Natural Frames – “Double Arch” by Pablo Ruiz GarcíaFrom Spain’s Picos de Europa, Pablo Ruiz García photographed an incredible rock formation that mirrors the galactic arch above. Originally aiming to frame the Milky Way’s center, he shifted perspective to align both arches—nature’s sculpture and the galaxy’s arc—in a powerful celestial composition.
Volcanic Fire and Stars – “Elemental” by Miles MorganMiles Morgan’s photograph of Hawaii’s Kilauea Volcano features glowing lava beneath the Milky Way. After a long night watching the skies and tracking celestial alignments, he caught the perfect moment where volcanic fire and stardust aligned in a dramatic and elemental cosmic portrait.
A Celebration of Cosmic BeautyCapture the Atlas’s annual selection not only showcases photographic mastery but also inspires awe for the night sky. Whether snapped from icy frontiers, desert dunes, or volcanic ridges, each image is a window into our universe and a reminder of its profound beauty. The featured photographers blend skill, patience, and passion to create scenes that both educate and captivate.
