The winter night-time sky over the South Downs offers a dazzling display for this year’s national park astro-photography competition.

As one of only 20 international dark sky reserves, the national park is one the best places to stargaze in the UK.

Photographers have the chance to win up to £100 in the two categories; South Downs Dark Skyscapes and Nature At Night .

Runner-up prizes will be £75 and all submitted images must be taken in the national park.

Judges will be national park lead ranger Dan Oakley, Hampshire Astronomical Group chairman Steve Broadbent, and National Park Authority chairman Vanessa Rowlands.

Dan said: “This time of year is the perfect time to go out and stargaze in the national park.

“It is one of the best places to stargaze in the world and there are ten Dark Sky Discovery sites in the national park perfect for admiring some immense views of the universe.”

The competition deadline is midnight on Wednesday, January 11. Details of the Dark Sky Discovery Sites can be found at www.southdowns.gov.uk/dark-night-skies/where-to-stargaze

For details and an application form visit the website at www.
southdowns.gov.uk/AstroPhotoComp