Travel photography blog Capture the Atlas has published the seventh edition of its annual Milky Way Photographer of the Year collection. This year's list includes images taken across 15 countries including the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Argentina, France, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Egypt, Oman, Yemen and Jordan. The final 25 images were selected from more than 5000 entries for the 2024 edition.
Photographer Tom Rae took this stunning image at Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand. "The Milky Way emerges from New Zealand's highest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook, on a winter night —a shot I've longed to capture, knowing it would encapsulate the mountains and sky elements perfectly," Rae said. "In rare alpine weather conditions, I embarked on a journey up the glacial valley one night.
"Upon reaching the lake, the scene that unfolded made me feel like I had landed on another planet. "This night, among many spent documenting this incredible part of the world, stands out for me. "It embodies the dedication, sleepless nights, and the fulfillment of completing my vision.
"The image features icebergs in the cyan-blue glacial lake, red airglow painting the sky, and the glow of billions of stars in the Milky Way — a glimpse into the vastness beyond." Baillie Farley was inspired by a recent "incredible" journey to the Central Australian Outback. "This image captures the breathtaking scene at Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve, where t.
