CloudFerro launches the 7th edition of the “Seize the beauty of our Planet” contest. This year’s theme: “Untouched Wilderness – The Raw Power of Nature”

CloudFerro is inviting participants from around the world to join the 7th edition of the international “Seize the beauty of our Planet” contest for outstanding satellite images of Earth.

This year’s edition focuses on wilderness and places where natural processes remain the dominant force shaping the landscape. The 2026 theme is: “Untouched Wilderness – The Raw Power of Nature”

From powerful oceans and uninhabited coastlines to vast forests, glaciers, deserts, active volcanoes and extraordinary geological formations, participants are invited to show Earth from space and capture the scale, dynamics and beauty of natural processes.

The contest is open to Earth observation specialists, researchers, data scientists, students and EO enthusiasts.

How to participate

To enter the contest, participants should create a satellite image of a location or natural phenomenon that reflects this year’s theme and submit it through the dedicated contest page.

Images can be created using Copernicus Earth observation data available through platforms such as:

• CREODIAS,
• Copernicus Data Space Ecosystem,
• WEkEO,
• CODE-DE-Lab,
• or other platforms providing access to Copernicus data.

Satellite data may also be processed and visualised using tools such as QGIS or similar software.

Contest schedule

Entries can be submitted from 28 September to 25 October 2026. The submission phase will be followed by a public vote, which will select 12 finalists. A Jury composed of Earth observation experts will then choose the three best entries.

Key dates:

• 28 September – 25 October 2026 – submission period,
• 29 October – 10 November 2026 – public voting,
• 11–16 November 2026 – Jury voting,
• 18 November 2026 – winners announcement.

Prizes

The authors of the three top-ranked entries will receive:

• 1st place – Apple iPad 11" 11th gen
• 2nd place – Apple Watch Series 11 GPS 42 mm
• 3rd place – Apple AirPods Pro 3

The 12 finalist images will also be featured in the CloudFerro 2027 calendar. Participants whose entries are accepted to the public voting phase will receive a CloudFerro desk calendar.

Promoting Earth observation and Copernicus data

“Seize the beauty of our Planet” is a CloudFerro initiative that has been running for seven consecutive years now, promoting Earth observation data and showcasing their value and potential through compelling satellite imagery. Over the years, the contest has steadily grown and established a regular place within the Earth observation community. Each edition brings together more EO professionals, researchers, enthusiasts and partner organisations who submit images, vote and help spread the initiative within their networks.

As a Copernicus Ambassador, CloudFerro promotes the use of Copernicus data and tools that help users observe and understand processes taking place across our planet. This year’s edition encourages participants to look at Earth as a dynamic system shaped by water, ice, wind, vegetation and geological forces.

Submit your image by 25 October 2026.

More information and technical requirements at the Contest page at cloudferro.com/contest2026/