Wicklow Photographer Enda Kelly Advances in Prestigious Astrophotography Competition

Enda Kelly, an esteemed astrophotographer from Wicklow, has achieved a significant milestone by advancing to the next stage of the Reach for the Stars astrophotography competition, organized by the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS). This prestigious competition aims to celebrate the best astrophotographic works captured in Ireland over the past year, showcasing the remarkable talents of local photographers.

Kelly’s entry, titled ‘Moon Opposition Season from October to April,’ has earned him a spot in the Out of This World planetary category. This composite image chronicles the appearance of Mars over several nights, illustrating the changes in size, brightness, and surface detail as viewed from Earth. The central image captures Mars at its most impressive during opposition, occurring in January 2025. Notably, this sequence also highlights the retrograde motion of Mars, an optical illusion that occurs when Earth overtakes the red planet in its orbit, momentarily making it appear to reverse direction in the sky.

In the previous year's competition, Kelly was recognized as the runner-up in the Out of This World category for his striking image titled ‘When the Planets Align: Lunar Occultation of Mars.’ This photograph depicted the full moon obscuring Mars, captured just before the planet vanished behind the lunar surface from Earth's perspective. Additionally, two of Kelly's images were selected for an outdoor exhibition organized by DIAS, further establishing his reputation in the field of astrophotography.

The Reach for the Stars competition is judged by a distinguished panel, including Professor Peter Gallagher, Head of Astrophysics at DIAS; Michael McCreary, President of the Irish Astronomical Society; Dr. Lisa McNamee, co-founder of Space Medicine Ireland; and Alan Betson, a renowned photographer from the Irish Times and multiple winner of the Press Photographer of the Year award. Public voting for the Public Choice Award is currently open and will conclude at 5 PM on July 24, 2025. Members of the public are encouraged to support their favorite images by casting their votes online at www.reachforthestars.ie/exhibition.

The winners, both selected by the judging panel and through public votes, will be announced in August, coinciding with an outdoor exhibition at DIAS Headquarters on Burlington Road, Dublin. This event promises to be a celebration of astronomical photography and community engagement, emphasizing the importance of public participation in the arts.

Enda Kelly’s ongoing contributions to astrophotography not only reflect his personal dedication to the craft but also highlight the burgeoning interest in astronomy and photographic arts in Ireland. As the competition continues to gain traction, it serves as a platform for aspiring photographers and astronomers alike, fostering a deeper appreciation for the celestial wonders above us and promoting scientific awareness through visual storytelling.

For more information about the competition and to view the entries, interested individuals can visit the official website. The impact of such competitions on local communities and individual careers in the arts can be profound, as they cultivate talent and inspire future generations to explore the cosmos through the lens of creativity and innovation.