This astronaut's incredible photo, taken from space, features in the Milky Way Photographer of the Year collection

An aerial view from the ISS shows Earth illuminated at night, with a vibrant atmosphere and the Milky Way stretching across the starry sky.

The travel photography blog Capture the Atlas has released the eighth edition of its annual Milky Way Photographer of the Year, showcasing a curated collection of the 25 best Milky Way photos around the globe.

And – for the first time ever – the collection includes a shot taken from space.

Described by Capture the Atlas as an "extraordinary milestone," the image One in a Billion, was captured by NASA astronaut Don Pettit aboard the International Space Station.

Astrophotography is among the most challenging genres in photography. Increasing light pollution only adds to the difficulty of capturing the night sky in all its clarity and vibrancy.

That's also why many of this year's images come from some of the most remote and pristine locations on Earth – from the deserts of Cha and the peaks of the Andes to the surreal landscapes of Socotra Island and the untouched skies of New Zealand and Namibia.

This year's collection also includes striking captures of celestial events: a comet, a meteor shower and a lunar eclipse, each beautifully set against the glowing backdrop of the Milky Way.

So, let's dive into ten standout images, explore the stories behind the stills and take a look at the gear that made these awe-inspiring shots possible. Because in astrophotography, the right equipment makes all the difference.

To view the full gallery, head over to Capture the Atlas' website.

Zermatt, Switzerland (Image credit: Angel Fux)

Alabama Hills, CA, USA (Image credit: Petr Horálek)

ISS (International Space Station) (Image credit: Don Pettit)

Hehuan Mountain Dark Sky Park, Taiwan (Image credit: Ethan Su)

Volcán Acatenango, Guatemala (Image credit: Sergio Montúfar)

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand (Image credit: Max Inwood)

Socotra, Yemen (Image credit: Benjamin Barakat)

Alabama Hills, CA, USA (Image credit: Mike Abramyan)

Coyote Buttes, UT, USA (Image credit: Luis Cajete)

Comarca del Matarraña, Spain (Image credit: Luis Merino)

If you are feeling inspired to start or dive deeper into astrophotography, Capture the Atlas offers tutorials, travel guides, and curated content to help you gain or refine your skills.

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Capturing stunning images of the night sky and space starts with having the right gear. Check out our guides to the best cameras for astrophotography and the best lenses for astrophotography.