Stars align for Derry photographer Patryk as stunning spiral galaxy and Errigal pictures chosen for national exhibit in Dublin

Two stunning photographs taken by Derry photographer Patryk Sadowski have been selected to feature in a new national exhibition of 20 images selected for the first ‘Reach for the Stars’ astrophotography competition.
Messier 31 Andromeda, by local photographer Patryk Sadowski.Messier 31 Andromeda, by local photographer Patryk Sadowski.
Messier 31 Andromeda, by local photographer Patryk Sadowski.

Patryk Sadowski’s selected images include ‘Messier 31 - Andromeda’, which features the Andromeda Galaxy, photographed from Cashelnagor, Co. Donegal. Also known as Messier 31, this is a large spiral galaxy located in the Andromeda constellation. It lies at a distance of 2.54 million light-years from Earth.

The Kilfennan photographer’s second image, ‘Errigal Nightscape’ captures the night sky at Lough Aganive, Co. Donegal, featuring Mount Errigal in the background.

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The exhibition run by the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies is running online initially, on its website, www.dias.ie and an outdoor exhibition at DIAS’s premises on Burlington Road is planned for the coming weeks, followed – later in the summer – by an exhibition at DIAS Dunsink Observatory.

Errigal Nightscape, by Patryk Sadowski.Errigal Nightscape, by Patryk Sadowski.
Errigal Nightscape, by Patryk Sadowski.

Professor Peter Gallagher, Head of Astrophysics at DIAS and a member of the judging panel for ‘Reach for the Stars’, said: “The chosen images showcase a variety of striking and impressive astronomy scenes, and capture the talent of astrophotographers in Ireland.”

Brenda Fitzsimons, Picture Editor of The Irish Times and a member of the judging panel, said: “The winning photographs are not only astonishingly beautiful and a well-balanced images, but are perfectly executed. It is evident that the photographers have immense technical knowledge and patience.”

John Flannery, Vice-President of the Irish Astronomical Society and a judge, added: “I was blown away by the entries – the level of skill, imagination and creativity shown. Many of the images captured very complex astronomical features that are extremely difficult to photograph, and require great skill and patience.”

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