Visit Tucson is proud to sponsor Capture the Dark, the premier nighttime photography contest hosted by DarkSky International. Now in its fifth year, this global contest invites photographers of all skill levels to celebrate the beauty and importance of the night sky—and there’s no better place to launch into a dark sky adventure than Tucson.
Home to world-class astronomical observatories and the headquarters of DarkSky International, southern Arizona has a long and storied connection to the night. This legacy makes Tucson a top destination for astrophotographers, stargazers, and anyone seeking adventure under a star-filled sky. From iconic national parks to hidden backcountry gems, the landscapes surrounding Tucson offer unparalleled opportunities to experience and capture the night amid some of the most unique scenery on Earth.
This January, Visit Tucson launched their new Astro Trail to help guests navigate the wide variety of dark-sky related stops in and around Tuson. Available as a web app and printed brochure, this trail serves as a guest’s personal guide to exploring world-class astronomy institutes like Kitt Peak National Observatory and the Richard F Caris Mirror Lab, to casual stargazing at national and state parks.
Visit Tucson’s partnership with DarkSky International to bring this event to life—alongside the region’s many certified Dark Sky Parks and Communities—reflects Tucson’s deep commitment not just to celebrating our extraordinary night skies, but to preserving them for future generations.
That commitment to dark sky protection is also what sets this contest apart. DarkSky International, the global nonprofit leading the growing movement to reduce light pollution, created Capture the Dark not only to celebrate the beauty of the night, but to highlight what’s at stake. With light pollution increasing globally by as much as 10% each year, we’re losing more than just our view of the stars. Capture the Dark invites participants and viewers alike to discover the value of natural darkness—and to join a global mission to protect the night.
Free to enter and open to participants worldwide, the contest features multiple categories, including one for mobile photography and another for youth photographers, making it accessible to all. As part of this year’s collaboration, Visit Tucson will present a special award for the best photograph taken in Arizona.
Key Dates:
Submissions Open: Now through June 30
Public Voting for People’s Choice Awards: July 1–21
Award Announcements: August 13
Whether you're a local or a visitor, a beginner or a seasoned pro, we want to see the night through your lens. So, grab your camera, head out under the stars, and help us show the world the wonder and awe of Tucson’s dark skies and the incredible nightscapes the Sonoran Desert offers.
For full contest details, submission guidelines, and to enter your photos, visit: https://capturethedark.darksky.org/contest2025
Explore Arizona's certified International Dark Sky Places: https://darksky.org/what-we-do/international-dark-sky-places/all-places/?_search_field=Arizona