SUMMARY
Astrophotographer Tom Rae captured a rare and vivid view of the Milky Way arching over New Zealand's Remarkables mountain range, a sight obscured by light pollution for most. Rae endured challenging snow, ice, and wind conditions to achieve the shot, titled 'Night at the Remarkables.' The photograph, taken with a Nikon Z6a and Sigma 28mm f/1.4 Art lens, was selected for Capture the Atlas' 2026 Milky Way Photographer of the Year collection. Rae noted the surreal contrast between the ancient light of the galaxy and the active glow of Queenstown below.
TAKEAWAYS
Award-winning astrophotographer Tom Rae captured the Milky Way over Queenstown, NZ.
The image highlights the contrast between the night sky and city light pollution.
Rae used a Nikon Z6a camera and Sigma 28mm f/1.4 Art lens for the shot.
The photograph was selected for Capture the Atlas' 2026 Milky Way Photographer of the Year.