Athenry photographer David Mackie has been shortlisted in the 2026 Reach for the Stars competition for his image, “A Bubble in Outer Space.” Organized by the School of Cosmic Physics at the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS), the annual contest highlights Irish astrophotography talent. Nine entries from six Galway-based photographers earned spots across three categories, according to DIAS records released June 20, 2026.
How to participate in the Reach for the Stars Public Choice Award
The public can vote for their favorite entry via the official competition website until 5 p.m. on Monday, July 13. DIAS CEO Dr. Eucharia Meehan stated that the competition seeks to engage the public with the technical and creative standards of modern astrophotography. Voters select the winner of the Public Choice category, which carries a prize of a €250 photography equipment voucher and access passes to Ireland’s three astronomical observatories.
The Reach for the Stars competition features a judging panel that spans science, media, and public engagement. This year’s panel includes Visual Editor of The Irish Times, Dan Dennison, and Professor Peter Gallagher, Head of Astronomy and Astrophysics at DIAS.
What defines the ‘Out of this World’ category?
The “Out of this World” category, where Mackie’s work is featured, focuses specifically on astronomical objects. According to competition guidelines, this includes the sun, moon, planets, and deep-sky subjects such as nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters. Unlike landscape-based astrophotography, this category prioritizes high-magnification technical precision and clarity of celestial bodies.
Future trends in Irish astrophotography
The 2026 entries reflect a growing trend of integrating local landmarks with deep-space imaging. Previous competition data shows a shift from purely scientific observation toward “astrolandscape” photography, which captures the Milky Way over rugged Irish coastlines or celestial events aligned with man-made structures like the Poolbeg Chimneys. This trend suggests a move toward storytelling in photography, where the night sky is framed within the context of Irish heritage and geography.
Comparison: Prize structures and professional recognition
The competition distinguishes between expert-judged awards and public-voted accolades. While the overall winners receive a €500 voucher, a digital subscription to The Irish Times, and publication of their work, the Public Choice winners receive a €250 voucher. This structure balances professional scientific peer review with broader community engagement, ensuring that both technical mastery and aesthetic appeal are rewarded.
If you are planning to submit your own images for next year’s competition, focus on the technical metadata of your shots. Judges prioritize clarity in deep-sky objects and the creative composition of night-sky landscapes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who organizes the Reach for the Stars competition? It is managed by the School of Cosmic Physics at the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS).
- When does voting for the Public Choice Award close? Voting concludes at 5 p.m. on Monday, July 13, 2026.
- Can I view the shortlisted images online? Yes, all shortlisted photographs are available to view on the official Reach for the Stars website.
- What are the prizes for the overall winners? Winners receive a €500 photography equipment voucher, passes to Ireland’s three astronomical observatories, and publication in The Irish Times.
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