Final call for Ireland’s best astronomy photographs
Astronomy and photography fans from Tipperary are getting a final reminder to enter the ‘Reach for the Stars’ competition, organised by the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS). The competition, seeking the best astro-photographs taken in Ireland over the period January 1st, 2020 to March 31st, 2021, will close for entries on April 2nd..
Commenting on the entries received to date, Professor Peter Gallagher, Head of DIAS Astrophysics, said: “The standard of entries to date has been excellent. It is fantastic to see so many people in Ireland interested in astronomy and capturing beautiful images of the night sky.
“There are a number of exciting opportunities for people to capture quality images in the coming weeks, before the closing date – Mars is still visible in the evening sky, while Mercury, Jupiter and Saturn occupy the morning sky.
“I would encourage people to get out with their cameras or phones over the next few weeks. Whether you are an amateur or a professional, anyone with an interest in astronomy can enter. Our only stipulations are that entrants must be over 18; they must have taken their photograph on the island of Ireland during the time period specified; and – obviously – their photograph must depict something of astronomical interest.”
Prize Package
Entries to the ‘Reach for the Stars’ competition will be judged by Professor Gallagher, along with Brenda Fitzsimons, Picture Editor of The Irish Times; John Flannery, Vice-President of the Irish Astronomical Society; and Martina Quinn, Managing Director of Alice PR & Events.
Entrants may submit up to three images to the competition. The winning entrant will receive a prize package that includes:
Publication of their images on the DIAS and Irish Times websites;
A VIP tour of DIAS Dunsink Observatory – with the opportunity to peer through Ireland’s largest refractor telescope.
A €500 voucher for photographic / telescopic equipment; and
A 12-month Premium Digital subscription to The Irish Times.
DIAS also intends to stage an exhibition of the winning and highly commended images, if circumstances allow.
Further information, including the competition guidelines and entry form, is available at https://dias.ie/reachforthestars.