A LIMERICK photographer is reaching astronomical heights of acclaim, with his work having been chosen to be showcased at the 2024 Reach for the Stars astrophotography exhibition.
Making use of a once in a lifetime chance as the Northern Lights were visible in Ireland last May, Alan Hartigan’s stellar photo has earned him a spot among Ireland’s top amateur astronomers.
The Limerick man’s picture, ‘Aurora over Poulnabrone’, is currently on display at Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS) headquarters at 10 Burlington Road, Dublin, as part of the Reach for the Stars exhibition.
Free to attend, 23 other top-rated images are displayed in the exhibit alongside Hartigans.
The Limerick photographer discovered his love of photography around 2018, and attributes some of the unique nature of his work to the fact that he is colour blind.
The images on exhibition were chosen by public vote from more than 230 submissions.
DIAS CEO Dr Eucharia Meehan said “it’s exciting to see such high numbers of engagement with the competition this year in both entries and the public vote”.
“Each year I am blown away by the talent and creativity of astrophotographers in Ireland. What is most important is that the images are a window into what is happening in our universe, and they can contribute to our understanding of the night sky.”
The winning images are all available to view online on reachforthestars.ie.
