The beauty of the universe concentrated on the eighth edition of the contest Milky Way Photography of the yearin which 25 unique images were selected that portray the splendor of space. Among them highlighted the Guatemalan Sergio Montúfar, with his photography entitled Cosmic firewhich earned him recognition as a photographer of the Milky Way of 2025, awarded by the Specialized Blog Capture The Atlas.
Montúfar, Guatemalan astrophotographer, focuses his work on the conservation of the night sky and the registration of sites with privileged skies. In an interview with Press Libre, he explained that the winning photograph was taken at dawn on June 2, 2024, during his first expedition at the top of the Acatenango volcano.
The image shows to the volcano of fire in the middle of the eruption, while experting lava and smoke under the majestic arch of the Milky Way. Montúfar recounts that the sky and the landscape were aligned to create an unrepeatable scene, captured in an instant of absolute connection between the earth and the cosmos.
That night, “the volcano was incredibly active: every thunderous explosion resonated in my chest, while the bright lava illuminated the dark slopes. Above, the Milky Way extended diagonally by the sky, a fascinating strip of stars that contrasted with the chaos that extended down,” he explained in the legend of his photograph.
Upon erupting, the ash column rose vertically, forming an acute angle of about 45 degrees with the diagonal trajectory of the galaxy, creating an impressive visual contrast between the fury of the earth and the serenity of the cosmos, he added.
Exclusively for the free press, Montúfar stressed that his work is based on the documentation of sites little affected by light pollution.
Thanks to your work of promoting the Astronomical Tourism in Guatemalahas been able to register the astronomical heritage of the country. “This implies investigating the cultural and natural characteristics related to astronomy. This documentation allows me to disseminate the findings through personal or immersive exhibitions, such as planetary or interactive spaces,” he said.
He currently prepares photographic tours that lead groups to strategic places. Among the planned destinations are the Atacama desert, the Fire Volcano and other key points to observe the Milky Way.
I have explored the skirts of the fire volcano for several years. Since 2013-2014 I also traveled the volcanoes of Santiago and Pacaya. Although not everyone can reach the top, from the skirts you can also see the beauty of the landscape. From these experiences I began to develop various photographic collections, said the activist for the protection of the night sky.
This image is special for its narrative: the pure force of the Fire volcano merges with the serene extension of the galaxy. (Photo: Free Press / Sergiomontufar.space)
His first collection was titled Ancestral starsa project focused on Mayan astronomy. This work was done in Guatemala And he has even been International nominatedhe said. It was followed by projects such as Fire ringa series dedicated to volcanoes under the stars.
Montúfar seeks to spread the Astronomical Tourismespecially in Guatemala. Everything I have learned – from academic to the experiential – I want to put it at the service of Guatemala. I want to work for the country’s heavens, for its astronomical heritage and for communities with development potential, he stressed.
In addition, it leads a network of projects that extends from the north of Mexico to the south of Argentina. They are innovative proposals that will undoubtedly position our region as a reference in the field of Astronomical Tourism.
Although many call her night photography, Montúfar He clarifies that his work belongs to astrophotography, a discipline that requires integration of images, digital calibration and technical knowledge not present in conventional photography. The modern astrophotography It is not necessarily more advanced, but it implies building the image from scratch. In traditional photography, the image is already composed; In astrophotography, you have to assemble it.
From the Tak´alik-Ab´aj structure, Montufar Capto the Milky Way showing a unique scenario. (Photo: Free Press / Sergiomontufar.space)
During his training, he identified the negative effects of the light pollution. Seeing the impact on their imageshe began investigating the phenomenon, which led him to activism. I became a delegate of Dark Sky Internationalthe main world entity dedicated to the conservation of Night heavens. Over time, I was appointed member of his Board of Directors.
Both your work in Astronomical Tourism As their environmental activism were born from their profession, but photographic art comes from their family, where there have been painters, dancers and sculptors. I seek to continue that legacy. Dignily represent that artistic and cultural heritage.
With this new success, he affirms that new challenges are coming to leave his name and that of Guatemala. I am a very passionate person, competitiveand I like to demonstrate that Guatemalans can do things that in other countries do not even imagine.
About their achievements, such as being published by the POT and National Geographicand be considered by Forbes As one of the most creative minds in the region, he explained: I find it fascinating to break the schemes. See that, in places where they always win, one can also highlight.
The crest of the Great Jaguar, in Petén, was the favorite place to portray the Orion Nebula. (Photo: Free Press / Sergiomontufar.space)
He added: when I achieved publications with the POTI was invited by the European Space Agency To promote my trips to the moon. When National Geographic recognized my work and Forbes He considered me one of the most creative minds in the region, I realized who they were with me. These achievements allow to know who support you, who are glad for you, who really are close.
With his work, Montúfar seeks to inspire other photographers and Guatemalans in general. “I want to show you that, if I could do it, they can also be a possible model for photographers, young people or any interested person.”
“I am creating a new profession. An alternative route that can follow scientists, photographers, tour guides, students or analysts. When gathering several disciplines, I open possible paths for many others. Therefore, these recognitions are important: they strengthen the name and open doors, as happened after the publication of the publication of the Strategic plan for the sustainable development of astronomical tourism in Guatemala 2024-2030 which allowed us to expand projects to countries such as Mexico and Chili“, said.
Sergio Montufar was consolidated as a photographer of the Milky Way of the year thanks to an image captured from the Acatenango volcano. Photo: Free Press / Sergiomontufar.space)
Through its social networks, Sergiomontufar.space, the astrophotographer shares his work, where he shows the beauty of the Milky Way merged with landscapes like those of Guatemalacaptured for eternity through photography.
Since 2012, Sergio Montufar has experienced the capture of the Milky Way with photography. (Photo: Free Press / Sergiomontufar.space)