British Photographer Is Among The Winners Of The “Reach For The Stars” Astrophotography Contest

The “Reach For The Stars” astrophotography contest, run by the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies, has announced the winners in five categories. Among the winning images in 2024 are breathtaking captures of a massive star nearing its end, a moonrise over Bray Head, the Milky Way seen from a cave, and the mesmerizing Northern Lights. Also, this year, British photographer Patryk Sadowski took the prize in one of the contest’s categories.

The Best Ones Among 200 Entries

The winners of the various awards were chosen by a judging panel after reviewing over 200 entries. DIAS CEO and Registrar Dr Eucharia Meehan praised all the winners for their “spellbinding entries.

“What is most important is that the images are a window into what is happening in our universe, and they can contribute to our understanding of the night sky. Astrophotography is about the interactions between humanity and the universe, and it can be a tool to engage the general public in science and astronomy,” Meehan said.

UK photographer Patryk Sadowski Wins the Landscape Category

The winning prize in the Back on Earth — Landscape category went to an image of May’s stunning aurora borealis over Fanad Head Lighthouse in Donegal. The photograph, titled Fanad Head — Aurora 2024 (pictured), was captured by British photographer Patryk Sadowski from Derry City.

“The photographer took advantage of the opportunity to shoot Fanad Head Lighthouse from a different perspective, and it paid off. Having seen lots of aurora shots this year, this one really stood out to us for its creativity and imagination,” commented Prof. Peter Gallagher, head of astrophysics at DIAS and a member of the judging panel for “Reach for the Stars”.

Orbital Today asked Patryk Sadowski about his experience taking part in astrophotography contests and what the victory means for artists. Patryk Sadowski has been taking photographs for over 25 years; however, “I have not taken part in competitions for the majority of my photography journey,” he said. “This is maybe the 4th competition I have taken part in and I am overjoyed that I managed to win.”

“My path with photography has never involved competition, contests or awards. I take photos mainly for myself and although it has turned into a partial business, I believe that this freedom and unpressured passion is the best direction for me.” 

He also added that such contests and awards not only motivate photographers to develop further but also help them reach a wider audience.

Back on Earth – Landmark Category

Tom O’Donoghue from Malahide, Dublin, won the Back on Earth – Landmark category. His winning image, titled Sentinel, depicts the Baltimore Beacon standing guard as the Milky Way rises over the ocean.

“Tom O’Donoghue’s Sentinel shows how even the most familiar landmarks can still be captured in new ways. The judging panel loved how the Milky Way provided a stunning backdrop for the lone sentinel,” said Prof. Peter Gallagher.

Out of this World – Deep Sky Category

Martin McCormack from Glasnevin, Dublin, took first place in the Out of this World — Deep Sky category. His winning image, titled The Jewels of the Swan, captures the Crescent Nebula, a 25-light-year-wide emission nebula in the constellation Cygnus. The image features a star at the nebula’s centre shedding its outer layers into space, creating a dense shell of scorching hot material that gives the nebula its distinctive shape.

Out of this World – Planetary Category

Anthony Lynch from Stoneybatter, Dublin, won the Out of this World – Planetary category with his image of the moon rising over Bray Head. To capture this shot, Lynch had to make a last-minute 200-yard dash down the beach to ensure the perfect alignment.

Public Choice Category

Anthony Lynch also claimed the top prize in the public choice category. His image, Cave Man, which captures the Milky Way from a cave at Goat Island, Ardmore, received the most votes in the online public poll. This year, over 5,000 people cast their votes online for their favourite image.

“The moon rising over Bray Head is another example of a familiar landmark being captured in a new and creative way. We loved the simplicity of this image showcasing the journey the moon takes through our sky,” said Prof. Gallagher.

Night Sky in Your Hand Inaugural Category 

Seanie Morris from Blueball, Co. Offaly, won the inaugural Night Sky in Your Hand category with his image Sam and Lucy’s First BIG Aurora. This photograph shows the silhouettes of his children against the backdrop of May’s spectacular aurora display. The images in this category had to be taken on a smartphone, without the use of telescopes, capturing an astronomical scene.

See The Winning Photos Live Or Online

The winning images of this year’s Reach for the Stars competition will be displayed at an exhibition outside the DIAS headquarters from 26 July.

“It’s exciting to see such high numbers of engagement with the competition this year in both entries and the public vote. We hope that more people stop by to visit the physical exhibition at Burlington Road over the coming weeks to appreciate the images in person,” Meehan added.

Also, these photographs are available to view now at www.reachforthestars.ie.