Final call for budding astro-photographers in Carlow to capture the stars

It’s the final chance for astro-photographers in Carlow to enter the ‘Reach for the Stars’ astrophotography competition, organised by the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS).

The competition, seeking the best astro-photographs taken in Ireland over the period 1st May 2022 to 28th April 2023, is calling on photography and astronomy fans in Carlow to submit their images before the final closing date for entries tomorrow, Friday, 28th April 2023.

Commenting on the approaching deadline, Dr. Eucharia Meehan, CEO and Registrar of DIAS said: “Now in its third year, the Reach for the Stars competition is all about making astronomy accessible to the public. You don’t have to be a professional photographer to appreciate the wonders of the night sky, you don’t need to own a telescope – we just ask that you follow the competition guidelines carefully to ensure your images meet the criteria.

“There have been a number of astrological phenomena over the last year that have already made an appearance in this year’s entries, from blood moons to auroras – and it’s great to see so many people from Carlow and across the country showing an interest in astronomy.

“I would really encourage people in Carlow to get out with their cameras or phones over the next week, before the closing date. There were some fantastic clear skies recently so I’m sure lots of photographers will have taken advantage of the perfect conditions. We are lucky to have stunning landscapes and areas of great natural beauty, combined with areas for stargazing all across the island that will make for some great images.”

Entries to the ‘Reach for the Stars’ competition will be judged by Professor Peter Gallagher, Head of Astrophysics at DIAS, along with Brenda Fitzsimons, Picture Editor of The Irish Times; John Flannery, Vice-President of the Irish Astronomical Society; and Niamh Breathnach, Director at Alice Public Relations.

The competition has two categories and entrants may submit up to two images in each of the following categories: 

Out of this World: Images depicting scenes / features or elements of astronomical interest. For example, deep space images or images of the solar system.

Back on Earth: Astro-landscape images that depict a feature or element of astronomical interest and capture elements such as nature, cityscapes, buildings or monuments, land, or water.
 

The deadline for entries is 5pm on Friday, 28th April.