Dazzling Milky Way Photos and Kilauea’s 1,000-Foot Lava Geyser Steal the Show

The 2025 Milky Way Photographer of the Year contest has revealed its breathtaking winners, showcasing the stunning beauty of our galaxy. Hosted by travel photography blog Capture the Atlas, the contest received 6,000 submissions from 25 countries.

Curator Dan Zafra narrowed the field down to 25 extraordinary images, selected for their quality, story, and overall inspiration. The winning photos were taken in remote locations far from light pollution, allowing the galaxy to shine in all its glory.

For the first time in the competition’s history, a winning image was captured from space. Astronaut and photographer Don Pettit’s remarkable entry was taken from the International Space Station, offering a unique perspective that bridges the gap between science and art.

Back on Earth, one of Hawaii’s most active volcanoes delivered a jaw-dropping spectacle. Kilauea erupted in a powerful, sustained geyser of lava, shooting an estimated 1,000 feet into the sky. Caught on U.S. Geological Survey cameras, the eruption marked Kilauea’s 23rd since December and lasted more than six hours.

From dazzling astrophotography to awe-inspiring volcanic activity, these stories remind us of the wonders of our world—and beyond.

Credit: CNN Newsource

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