An extraordinary image capturing the breathtaking beauty of the Milky Way above the South Downs has been awarded first place in the annual astro-photography competition, celebrating the national park’s tenth anniversary as an International Dark Sky Reserve. Michael Harris’ photograph, titled “Ancient Light,” stood out among more than 130 entrants, showcasing the galaxy’s splendour over a historic barn in Balsdean Valley, near Brighton.
Celebrating Dark Skies
The South Downs National Park has long been a sanctuary for stargazers, and this competition highlights the importance of preserving dark skies for future generations. Michael Harris’ striking image not only won him the top prize but also serves as a reminder of the park’s rich heritage. “The site has had a long history with Roman occupation, as a medieval hamlet, use as accommodation during the Second World War and for farming,” Harris reflected. He added, “All of which have long since come and gone in the time it has taken for the light from the Milky Way above to reach us, which is approximately 26,000 years.”
Dan Oakley, a dark skies expert and one of the judges, praised the photograph’s composition, stating, “I think this is an incredible and realistic photo of what the South Downs Dark Skies experience is. It’s beautifully framed.”
Life at Night
In the category entitled “Life At Night,” Richard Murray from Waterlooville secured first place with his enchanting photograph, “Snail Trail To The Stars.” This captivating image features a snail gazing up at The Plough asterism, highlighting the delicate interplay between wildlife and the cosmos. Judge Elinor Newman, who also organises the national park’s Dark Skies Festival, remarked, “This really does encapsulate life at night, with the snail, flora and lichen. The image has incredible detail, captures a moment and takes me to another place. A very inspiring image.”
Murray shared the dedication behind his winning entry, explaining, “The shot took a lot of patience and a surprising amount of suspense, waiting for the exact moment when my tiny, mucus-powered model lifted both antennae toward the cosmos above. Eventually, the stars, the snail, and the timing all lined up and I got the shot I’d been hoping for.”
Beyond Our World
The newly introduced “South Downs To Deep Space” category was claimed by Nigel Stanbury of Haslemere, Surrey, for his stunning photograph titled “Jellyfish Nebula.” This image captures the remnants of a supernova located 5,000 light years away, evoking imagery reminiscent of science fiction. Oakley described it as looking “straight out of Star Trek,” illustrating the cosmic wonders that lie beyond our earthly realm.
Stanbury explained the complex nature of his subject, stating, “The image is of the so-called Jellyfish nebula located in the constellation of Gemini, the twins. It is the remains of a star larger than our sun, that exploded as a supernova many thousands of years ago, blowing off a cloud of gas that has been expanding ever since and glows as it collides with surrounding gas and dust.” He also shared the dedication involved, revealing that the image required 22 hours of exposure over three nights to unveil its intricate colours and details.
Why it Matters
This competition not only showcases the artistic talents of photographers but also serves to raise awareness about the importance of preserving our dark skies. As cities grow and light pollution increases, initiatives like the South Downs National Park’s Dark Skies Festival remind us of the beauty and wonder that exist beyond our immediate surroundings. By celebrating these celestial images, we inspire a greater appreciation for the night sky and encourage a collective commitment to safeguarding our natural heritage for future generations.
