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A Galway man’s photo has been selected as a runner-up in the 2023 Reach for the Stars astrophotography competition, run by the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies.
David Mackie from Athenry was a runner-up in the ‘Out of this World’ category with his submission ‘The Spaghetti Nebula’, which captures the dust and gas blown into space by the enormous explosion of a supernova.
This category called for images depicting scenes or elements of astronomical interest such as deep space images or images of the solar system.
David’s winning image will be showcased as part of an outdoor exhibition at DIAS’s premises at 10 Burlington Road, Dublin, from Tuesday, 1 August.
The 14 top-rated images from the competition will be displayed alongside David’s and the exhibition is free to attend.
Other Winning Images
Taking the first prize in the ‘Back on Earth’ category, was an image of the Milky Way over the Port Láirge Shipwreck near Bannow Bay, Saltmills, Co. Wexford. The image was taken by Adrian Hendroff, from Stepaside, Dublin.
In addition to being the overall winner in the ‘Back on Earth’ category, Mr Hendroff also scooped the top prize in the Public Choice category receiving the most votes in the online public vote for his image ‘Illuminate’.
Sara Harvey, from Bishopstown, Co. Cork, claimed first prize in the ‘Out of this World’ category.
The winning image, ‘M51 – A Galactic Dance’, captures the Whirlpool Galaxy, located 31 million light years from Earth. The galaxy has a face-on appearance as seen from Earth, showing its distinct spiral structure and galactic core.
Featuring as a runner-up alongside Mr Mackie in the Out of this World’ category was Enda Kelly, from Wicklow Town, for his image ‘When the planets align. Lunar occultation of Mars.’
Runners-up in the ‘Back on Earth’ category were: Patryk Sadowski, from Derry City, for his image ‘Manannán mac Lir & Aurora’ and Keith Levins, from Blackrock, Cork City, for his submission, ‘The Almighty Arch’.
Judges’ Feedback
The winners were selected by a judging panel following a meticulous judging process of over 70 entries.
In addition to Prof Peter Gallagher, the judging panel included Brenda Fitzsimons, Picture Editor, The Irish Times; Michael McCreary, President, Irish Astronomical Society; and Niamh Breathnach, Director, Alice Public Relations.
