The Beautiful Starry Sky Hidden by Light Pollution

• Prize
  Honorable Mention
• Photographer
  Xudong Zhu, China
• Date of Photograph
  2025

Global light pollution is drowning out the starry skies in many parts of the world, and the problem is worsening annually. Over 30% of the global population can no longer see the Milky Way due to light pollution.I discovered that infrared cameras equipped with specific infrared filters can capture clear images of the Milky Way even in urban areas (including Bortle Class 9 conditions). To raise awareness about light pollution issues, I used this technique to take this series of Milky Way photos in cities—all captured under Bortle Class 8 or 9 light pollution conditions.