The National Park’s popular astrophotography competition returns bigger and better than ever to mark 10 years of the South Downs becoming an International Dark Sky Reserve.
As the clocks have gone back, days are shorter for exploring the National Park, but the night-time offers its own celestial charms.
Look up on a clear night and you’ll be treated to one of the best views of the stars anywhere in England. The South Downs National Park is one of only 24 International Dark Sky Reserves in the world because of its particularly “dark” and accessible sites away from light pollution, with other reserves including Idaho, USA, and the River Murray in Australia.
To mark a decade of the coveted status, the prizes in this year’s astrophotography competition are bigger, with an overall winner prize of £250 for an out-of-this-world image that truly encapsulates why the dark skies are so special and are worth protecting.
This year there are four categories:
South Downs Dark Skyscapes – Can you capture a dramatic star-studded or moon-lit photograph of the landscape showing the cosmos above it? Photographs of the “Northern Lights” are also very welcome!
South Downs Life at Night – Can you capture an amazing shot of living things in the National Park? This could include wildlife, people, trees, plants or fungi! It could be a picture of people stargazing or an evening or night-time community event.
From the South Downs to Deep Space – One for the serious galactic adventurer! Can you capture a breathtaking telescopic image showing constellations, galaxies, nebulas, planets and more taken from within the South Downs National Park?
The Meteoric Mobile Phone Category – Can you take a wonderful shot of the South Downs dark skies on your mobile? We’re looking for all kinds of night-time shots, from selfies to landscapes, buildings, wildlife, moons, stars, and group shots – whatever your phone can capture!
The category winner will receive £100, with runners-up taking £50. All photos must be taken within the National Park.
Judging the contest will be Elinor Newman, who organises the National Park’s Dark Skies Festival, “Dark Skies” Dan Oakley, an expert on the South Downs International Dark Sky Reserve, and Vicki Wells, a National Park Authority Member and former producer for BBC Sky at Night.
Elinor, who has a background in astrophysics, said: “It’s so exciting to be launching our competition for the 10th anniversary as we’re preparing a bumper line-up across 11 days for the Dark Skies Festival in February 2026. Watch this space!
“We’d really love to get some out-of-this-world astrophotography this year to show off how amazing the International Dark Sky Reserve is and why it’s worth protecting, both for people and nature.”
A selection of the winning images will be shared on social media and exhibited at National Park events during the festival.
Full details of the upcoming festival, running from 12 to 22 February, will be released in early January.
The deadline for entries to the competition is midnight on Sunday, 18 January 2026.
For entry details and to download an application form visit www.southdowns.gov.uk/AstroPhotoComp
Please note pictures using AI will not be included in the judging.
Details of the Dark Sky Discovery Sites can be found at www.southdowns.gov.uk/dark-night-skies/where-to-stargaze
Here are some top tips to help you make the most of stargazing in the South Downs:
- Check the phase of the moon to plan your trip – stargazing is best before a full moon
- Take a blanket or mat to lie on
- Wrap up warm
- Take some snacks and a hot drink
- Take a compass or use the one on your smart phone
- Download a star gazing app to help you identify constellations and stars
- Allow time for your eyes to adjust – this takes around 20 minutes so turn off any lights, torches and preferably put your mobile phone away (at least when not taking pictures if you are using it to photograph)
- Leave no trace – remember to take any rubbish home with you.