A spectacular exhibition by Irish amateur astronomers and photographers is being opened to the public by space commentator and broadcaster Leo Enright on Tuesday, 2 February at the National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin, Dublin.

Mr Enright, who has broadcast live commentaries on every major space event since the first Moon landing, said: “Those who attend will be able to see many intriguing photographs of the solar system, our galaxy the Milky Way and other galaxies. It is a rare opportunity to view the highest quality astronomical images. For example, the exhibition includes what is believed to be the largest and most detailed mosaic image of a constellation ever taken by amateurs.”

Many of the photographed objects are millions of light years away but visitors will be able to see up them up close and be surprised that they cross over their own back gardens at night. The images on show will feature Irish winners of the International Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition organised by the Greenwich Observatory in London. The exhibition is free event and is organised by the Dublin-based Irish Astronomical Society (IAS) and the Irish Federation of Astronomical Societies (IFAS).

John Dolan of the Irish Astronomical Society said: “Observing and taking photos of what appears in the sky at night is a fascinating hobby which is becoming more popular in Ireland. Telescopes can now be obtained at reasonable cost and recent advances in digital photography have made taking photographs of the night sky more accessible. Many of the photographs in this exhibition have been taken using standard consumer DSLR cameras. The low light capability in these cameras has greatly improved in recent years.”

While the exhibition is aimed at the general public, the aspiring astronomical photographer can find inspiration and the advice they need to take their first steps. The exhibition will display the equipment used for viewing and imaging the night sky, including binoculars, telescopes and cameras. Guides and advice on imaging the night sky with standard DSLR cameras will be available together with information on your local astronomy club.

The Irish Astronomical Society (IAS) and the Irish Federation of Astronomical Societies (IFAS) wish to acknowledge the help and assistance given by Canon Ireland, the OPW and the Botanic Gardens. 

The exhibition is open until Sunday, 21 February.

The Irish Astronomical Society (IAS), founded in 1937 and based in Dublin, is the longest established Astronomical Society in Ireland. It is a not for profit, voluntary organisation made up and funded by members with an interest in promoting amateur astronomy and sharing the beauty of the night sky with the general public. It does this in various ways: organising night sky viewing events, publishing an annual almanac and a journal on a regular basis and holding regular talks on astronomy and photography for members of the public. The website is: www.irishastrosoc.org

The Irish Federation of Astronomical Societies (IFAS) is an umbrella group of Astronomical Clubs & Societies throughout Ireland and is made up of nine constituent member clubs. With 2,200 subscribers, IFAS operates Ireland’s largest astronomy community website and discussion forum at www.irishastronomy.org