Two Derry astro-photographers among shortlist for next stage of DIAS astrophotography competition
Two Derry astro-photographers have been selected for the next stage of the prestigious ‘Reach for the Stars’ astrophotography competition, run by the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS).
The competition aims to find the best astro-photographs taken in Ireland over the past year.
Shortlisted photographers include:
Patryk Sadowski, from Kingsmere Gardens, Derry City has been shortlisted in the ‘Back on Earth - Landmark’ category for his image ‘Pink Moon Rising over Grianán’ and ‘Back on Earth – Landscape’ category for his image ‘Fanad Head – Aurora 2024’.
Ronald McClelland, from Derry City has been shortlisted in the ‘Back on Earth - Landmark’ category for his image ‘The Flare’.
While a high-profile judging panel will select the overall winning entries in the coming weeks, an online vote was launched on Thursday, June 13.
All shortlisted images can now be viewed on the ‘Reach for the Stars’ website, www.reachforthestars.ie.
Dr. Eucharia Meehan, CEO and Registrar of DIAS, said: “The online public vote to select the winner of the Public Choice Award is a chance for the public to have their say in this year’s top astro-photographs. The online exhibition is a great opportunity for people to learn about our solar system, the galaxies around us and what lies in the night sky. It will be a difficult task to choose a favourite from the shortlisted entries!
“I’m so impressed by the level of creativity and skill we have amongst photographers in Derry and right across the country. This year has seen the highest number of entries in the history of the competition, and we hope to see the interest in our night skies continue to grow.”
Professor Peter Gallagher of DIAS said: “I’m delighted to return for a fourth year of judging for the ‘Reach for the Stars’ competition. Photographers have shown great creativity and technical skill capturing everything, from stars and galaxies that are millions of light years away to stunning scenery back on earth.
“We hope the people of Derry will get involved again this year and have their say by voting for their favourite image.”
Votes for the Public Choice Award are restricted to one vote per person, and voting will close at midday on Friday, July 5, 2024.