Derry photographers urged to glance up as major astrophotography contest opens April 23, 2026 – Photographers across Derry and surrounding areas are being encouraged to participate in Ireland’s leading astrophotography competition, which has opened for entries and aims to capture the best images of the night sky taken across the country. The Reach for the Stars Astrophotography Competition, now in its sixth year, is organised by the School of Astronomy and Astrophysics at the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS) and invites photographers from all over Ireland to submit their work. The competition seeks astro-photographs taken in Ireland between 26 April 2024 and 02 June 2025, with the deadline for entries approaching. Organisers are specifically urging photographers from Derry and surrounding areas to look up at the night sky and contribute their images to the contest, which celebrates Ireland’s growing interest in astrophotography. The initiative aims to find the best astrophotographs taken in Ireland while encouraging public engagement with astronomy and the night sky. The competition runs from June 2025 to May 2026, giving photographers ample time to capture the night sky’s ever-changing beauty. Entrants are encouraged to submit their best shots in one of three categories: Night Sky in Your Hand, which showcases the power of smartphone photography. Out of this World, a chance to showcase the universe’s wonders from the Sun and Moon to distant galaxies and nebulae; and Back on Earth, a unique perspective combining astronomical features with landscapes, nature, or heritage sites. A prestigious panel of judges, including visual editors and astronomy experts, will assess the entries based on technical skill, artistic flair, astronomical understanding, and originality. The competition has consistently showcased the talent of Derry’s photographers, with their work featuring prominently among the winners and commended entries in previous years. Photography and astronomy fans in Derry have one final opportunity to submit their entries for the ‘Reach for the Stars’ astrophotography competition, before the deadline on Friday, 10th May 2026. This final call comes as the competition approaches its conclusion, offering local talent a last chance to gain recognition for their celestial captures. The event forms part of a broader effort to promote science communication and public engagement with astronomy through accessible, visually compelling media. By inviting contributions from amateur and professional photographers alike, the competition helps democratize access to astronomical observation and fosters a deeper appreciation of the night sky across Irish communities.
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