Christy Toms, “Coastal Lights & Cosmic Tides (SEASCAPE 2026)

This image was captured along the Great Ocean Road as the Milky Way began to rise above the coastal cliffs. The sky was tracked to preserve detail in the galactic core while maintaining a natural balance with the landscape. Along the horizon, a faint aurora is visible, adding a soft band of colour beneath the stars. The first light of dawn begins to glow over the ocean, creating a gradual transition from night to morning. The scene brings together the rugged coastline, the rising Milky Way, and subtle auroral activity in a single moment, highlighting the dynamic nature of the night sky over southern Australia.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.