Astronomical' photo competition organised by DCU

To celebrate the International Year of Astronomy 2009, DCU's School of Physical Sciences and the National Centre for Plasma Science and Technology are holding an astronomical digital photo competition “Eye on the Sky”. Entries are welcome from residents in both the North and South of Ireland.  The closing date is 1 September 2009.

The competition has been divided into three categories: schools, the general public and DCU students and staff.  Three prizes per category and an extra class prize for schools will be awarded.

The International Year of Astronomy is a global celebration of astronomy which is endorsed by the United Nations and was opened officially on 15/16 January at the UNESCO building in Paris. A variety of activities are foreseen worldwide to draw global attention to the splendour of celestial phenomena.  These have played an important role in determining the seasons for agriculture, for orientation in navigation and for other practical purposes.  Nowadays celestial objects are made less prominent by city lights but they are still extensively studied as they are relevant to the understanding of the physics of Nature, particularly under extreme conditions that cannot be achieved on Earth.

The awards ceremony will be held during Science Week (November 2009) in DCU. Details on participation can be found at http://www.astrophysics.dcu.ie/eyeonthesky.php Details on other activities in Ireland can be found on the IYA 2009 Irish website: http://www.astronomy2009.ie .