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Via Martin McCormack
The competition is looking for photos captured between June 2025 and May 2026.
Stargazers and photographers across Limerick are being called to point their lenses upward as the ‘Reach for the Stars’ astrophotography competition returns for its sixth year.
Limerick has a storied history with the contest, which is organised by the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS).
Since its beginning, local photographers have been among the winning, shortlisted, and commended entries, showcasing the high level of creative talent found in the region.
The competition aims to find the best images of the Irish night sky taken between June 3, 2025, and May 10, 2026.
Whether you are using a professional telescope or just the smartphone in your pocket, there is a category for every skill level.
(Via Liam Reddall)
Dr Eucharia Meehan, CEO and Registrar of DIAS, said that the competition is designed to make science more accessible. “We’re looking forward to seeing the range of perspectives and skills that these astrophotographers will bring to the night sky.”
Professor Peter Gallagher, Chair of the judging panel, added that the standard of entries usually reflects “huge creativity and technical capability,” with images being judged on technical skill, artistic flair, and originality.
Limerick entrants have until 5 pm on May 11th to submit their work.
Winners could find themselves with a €500 voucher for photographic equipment, passes to the Astronomical Observatories of Ireland, publication in The Irish Times and inclusion in high-profile exhibitions at DIAS Headquarters in Dublin.
A Public Choice winner will also be selected via an online vote in late June, allowing the people of Limerick to get behind their local finalists.
Photographers can submit up to two images per category. Full guidelines and entry forms can be found on the Reach for the Stars website.
