The Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS) is once again hosting Reach for the Stars, their annual astrophotography competition, for the fourth time, inviting the public to share their space-themed snaps. The competition, which is open to photographs taken in Ireland between 28th April last and 10th May next, has a variety of categories. Submissions can include smartphone-captured views of the astronomical scene, shots of celestial bodies such as the moon, sun or planets, images of cosmic events beyond our solar system, nature, land or water-based themes, or cityscape, building and structural imagery.
Reach for the Stars is backed by Alice Public Relations and guided by Professor Peter Gallagher, who heads up the astronomy and astrophysics section at DIAS and also sits on the award panel. Prof Gallagher emphasised the plentiful opportunities for participants to capture mesmerising shots, with several astronomical events, including a solar eclipse and the Lyrid meteor shower, happening in April alone, all leading to a full moon just before the competition closes.
To get more details about the contest, interested persons can visit the website www.reachforthestars.ie.