Look up to the stars for a chance to win South Downs photo competition
An astrophotography competition returns to celebrate the amazing star-studded dark skies of the South Downs National Park that provide refuge for thousands of species.
As the clocks have gone back, it’s the perfect opportunity to get out and see the wonders of the universe and then see – or hear – the nocturnal wildlife that flourishes in the South Downs.
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 27 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.
The winning astrophotography will be shown and exhibited during the National Park’s ever-popular Dark Skies Festival, which will take place between 11 and 21 February 2027 with a series of fun events across Sussex and Hampshire.
The theme of this year’s festival will be the amazing moon that orbits the earth.
This year there are five categories:
South Downs Dark Skyscapes – Can you capture a dramatic star-studded photograph of the landscape showing the cosmos above it? Photographs of the “Northern Lights” are also very welcome!
Magnificent Moon – Can you capture a stunning photograph of the Earth’s closest celestial neighbour? Photographs of the solar eclipse (as the moon is crossing the face of the sun!) are very welcome in this category.
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 a 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 £150, with runners-up taking £75. All photos must be taken within the South Downs National Park.
Judging the contest will be Elinor Newman, who organises the National Park’s Dark Skies Festival, “Dark Skies” alongside Dan Oakley, an expert on the South Downs International Dark Sky Reserve, Vicki Wells, a National Park Authority Member and former producer for BBC Sky at Night, and “Astro” Abby Moule, an award-winning astrophotographer.
Elinor, who has a background in astrophysics, said: “It’s so exciting to be launching our competition for the seventh year running and we can’t wait to see some out-of-this-world photography.
“Anyone and everyone can take part in our astrophotography contest and you don’t need expensive equipment. The photographs always go down a storm at the Dark Skies Festival and really do inspire tens of thousands of people about the wonders of the universe.
“The dark skies are so important for both people and nature and it would be great to get some more shots of the beautiful nocturnal wildlife that depend on the darkness in the South Downs.”
Astro Abby Moule said: “For me, a great astrophotograph is about far more than a technically perfect night sky. I’m looking for images that tell a story, evoke a sense of wonder and make me stop and look a little longer. I love photographs that connect the landscape beneath our feet with the extraordinary universe above us, giving us a sense of our place within it. Technical skill is important, of course, but it’s creativity, thoughtful composition and that elusive emotional connection that really make an image stand out.”
Full details of the upcoming festival will be released in early January.
The deadline for entries to the competition is midnight on Monday, 11 January 2026.
For entry details, terms and conditions and to download an application form visit www.southdowns.gov.uk/AstroPhotoComp
Details of the Dark Sky Discovery Sites can be found at www.southdowns.gov.uk/dark-night-skies/where-to-stargaze