awed & inspired

Throughout the ages, the Milky Way has hung above humanity in the sky, a beautiful marvel shining steadily each night. 

Nowadays, most city-bound folks rarely see the full splendor of our home galaxy stretching across the heavens. 

Luckily, there are photographers all over the world with the skills to show off what many sky watchers are missing. 

Take a look at the winners of the 2021 Milky Way Photographer of the Year competition from the travel and photography site Capture the Atlas. 

Pablo Ruiz - Riaño, Spain

Clouds, ice, water, rocks and sky can be seen in this amazing winter composition from northern Spain. The elemental image, taken at the Riaño Mountain Reservoir, shows the Milky Way arcing over a mountain range and lighting up the night sky.

Larryn Rae - Mount Taranaki, New Zealand

The second-highest point of the North Island of New Zealand can be found on the dormant volcano of Mount Taranaki. Sticking out of the mountain's side is another dormant volcano, known as Fanthams Peak, where this shot was taken. Getting the image was a challenge, the photographer said, requiring a 4-hour climb in rushing winds to reach the icy summit.

Mohammad Hayati - Hormozgan Province, Iran

Surreal curving rocks rise up from a region along the southern coast of Iran near the Persian Gulf. The twisting structures almost look like lovers gazing at the beautiful Milky Way.

Daniel Stein - New York, United States

Tucked away in upstate New York are the Adirondacks, parts of which have been designated as "Forever Wild." Photographer Daniel Stein used the mountains' remoteness to capture this amazing image of the galaxy reflected in a small lake.

Awe-inspiring images of our galaxy. Happy 2022 to all.