People and Space 2026

Rock carved with ancient markings in foreground with vivid Milky Way in purples and dark colours in sky above

Category winner

A Message From the Ancients by Max Inwood

Max explains, "Deep in the desert of California lies a series of ancient petroglyphs: rock art dating back thousands of years. One particular piece known as the 13 Moons caught my attention. This petroglyph is thought to be an ancient calendar depicting the 13 Full Moons that Earth can experience in a year.

"In this photograph I captured the northern constellation Cygnus above the site. This region of the Milky Way is full of bright hydrogen emission nebulae, which contribute to the reds and pinks seen in the sky. The colours contrasted beautifully with the strong green airglow present on the horizon, creating a rainbow of tones. A small light was used to illuminate the petroglyph, which would otherwise be difficult to see in detail under the pristine dark sky."

Taken in Inyo County, California, USA, 26 June 2025

Silhouette of person on rocky outcrop with curve of Milky Way in green and yellow-tinged sky

Runner-up

Capture the Night by Dan Zafra

Dan says, "On the volcanic shoreline of Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, I spent the summer nights looking up from the rocks towards a sky filled with stars. This corner of Spain is a rare refuge from light pollution, a hidden gem where true darkness still survives. The small human presence in the frame is intentional; intended not to dominate the scene, but to belong to it, a quiet connection between Earth and the cosmos.

"At a time when we are constantly connected to one another, yet increasingly detached from nature, these nights are a reminder that wonder is not online – it is overhead, waiting for us to look up."

Taken in Parque Natural del Cabo de Gata-Níjar, Níjar, Almería, Spain, 5 May 2025

Photo of city skyline with big orange moon behind skyscrapers

Highly commended

Golden Moonrise Over Seattle by AJ Smadi

"This picture reveals the city of Seattle, illuminated at twilight during a summer sunset. Above it, the orange Buck Moon is rising. The colour of the Moon reflected in Seattle’s skyline casts a golden light over the entire city, its deep glow adding presence to the image and providing a contrast to the sleek lines of the intricate architecture with its raw and rugged terrain," says AJ.

"This picture was taken near the Ella Bailey Park in Seattle, which is famous for its striking viewpoint of the city. To capture it, I used the Planit Pro app, which helps photographers to align structures and buildings with night sky objects."

Taken in Seattle, Washington, USA, 11 July 2025