Derry astrophotographers shine in 'Reach for the Stars' competition with celestial captures

Two Derry astrophotographers have made it to the next round of the esteemed 'Reach for the Stars' astrophotography competition, organised by the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS). The contest is on the hunt for the finest astrophotographs captured in Ireland over the past year.

The shortlisted photographers include Patryk Sadowski, from Kingsmere Gardens in the city who has been nominated in the 'Back on Earth - Landmark' category for his image 'Pink Moon Rising over Grianan' and 'Back on Earth Landscape' category for his picture 'Fanad Head Aurora 2024'.

Ronald McClelland, also from Derry, has been shortlisted in the 'Back on Earth - Landmark' category for his photograph 'The Flare'.

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While a panel of high-profile judges will choose the overall winners in the coming weeks, an online vote was launched today (13.06. 24), allowing the public to voice their opinion.

All the shortlisted images can now be viewed on the 'Reach for the Stars' website, where the public can cast their vote for their favourite image.

This year saw a record-breaking number of submissions with over 230 images entered into the competition the highest ever received with 50 selected for the shortlist and public vote. Entrants were invited to submit entries across five distinct categories in the competition.

The winning images selected by the judging panel and the public vote will be announced in July, and an outdoor exhibition will be staged by DIAS to showcase the best images.

Alongside the winner of the Public Choice Award, the overall winners will be chosen by the judging panel for 'Reach for the Stars', which includes: Professor Peter Gallagher, Head of Astrophysics at DIAS; Brenda Fitzsimons, Picture Editor of The Irish Times; Michael McCreary, President of the Irish Astronomical Society; and Niamh Breathnach, Director, Alice Public Relations.

Dr. Eucharia Meehan, CEO and Registrar of DIAS, commented: "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 astrophotographs. 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 also commented: "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, 5th July 2024.

The 'Reach for the Stars' competition, run by DIAS in partnership with The Irish Times and sponsored by Alice Public Relations and the Astronomical Observatories of Ireland, is also supported by the Irish Astronomical Society. For more information on the competition, including an online gallery and background details, visit https://reachforthestars.ie.

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