Five Dublin photographers and their images selected for astro exhibition

Five Dublin photographers have been selected to feature in an exhibition, as part of the inaugural ‘Reach for the Stars’ astrophotography competition run by the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies.

The works from the five photographers are part of the 20 images selected by the judges to feature in the exhibition.

Currently running online on the DIAS website, an outdoor exhibition will be held at DIAS’s premises on Burlington road in the coming weeks.

Anthony Lynch from Mountpelier Drive, Stefanos Politis, from Shankill, Tom Dineen from Castleknock, Jack Lackowski from Palmerstown and Matthew Ledinghm from Dun Laoghaire were all selected to be a part of the exhibition.

Commenting on the images selected for the exhibition, Professor Peter Gallagher, Head of Astrophysics at DIAS and a member of the judging panel for ‘Reach for the Stars’, said: “The standard of entries to the competition was excellent, and the judging panel had a very difficult job making our final selection.

“The chosen images showcase a variety of striking and impressive astronomy scenes and capture the talent of astrophotographers in Ireland.”

“Brenda Fitzsimons, picture editor of The Irish Times and a member of the judging panel, said: “I’m simply in awe of the talent, perseverance and technical ability applied to accomplish these wonderful images.

“The winning photographs are not only astonishingly beautiful and a well-balanced images, but are perfectly executed.

“It is evident that the photographers have immense technical knowledge and patience.”

Speaking about the entries overall, John Flannery, Vice-President of the Irish Astronomical Society and member of the judging panel, added: “I was blown away by the entries to the competition – the level of skill, imagination and creativity shown.

“Many of the images captured very complex astronomical features that are extremely difficult to photograph and require great skill and patience.

“It is great to see such interest in astronomy from both amateur and experienced photographers and astronomers across the country.”