Longford photographers encouraged to capture the night sky in national contest

Photographers in Longford are being encouraged to turn their lenses to the night sky as entries open for a prestigious nationwide astrophotography competition.

‘The Voyager’ by Liam Reddall, Winner Back on Earth Landmark category 2025

Now in its sixth year, the Reach for the Stars competition is open to people of all skill levels however any submitted photos of night skies must have been shot in Ireland between June 3, 2025, and May 10, 2026.

Organised by the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS), the competition aims to make astrophotography accessible while promoting awareness of dark skies and citizen science.

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Participants can enter photographs across three categories: Night Sky in Your Hand, for smartphone images; Out of this World, which includes astronomical objects such as the sun, moon, and galaxies; and Back on Earth, combining celestial features with landscapes or landmarks.

Shortlisted entries will be announced in late June, with the public invited to vote for their favourite in a dedicated People’s Choice category.

Entries will be judged by a panel including representatives from The Irish Times and the Irish Astronomical Society, with criteria focusing on technical skill, originality, and artistic flair.

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Winners in the main categories will receive prizes including photographic equipment vouchers, passes to key observatories such as Dunsink Observatory, and publication of their work online. Additional prizes and runner-up awards will also be presented.

The deadline for entries is 5pm on May 11, with full details available on the competition website reachforthestars.ie

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