Their work has an otherworldly beauty.

Three Cork astro-photographers have reached the next stage of the prestigious ‘Reach for the Stars’ astrophotography competition, run by the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS).

The competition aims to find the best astro-photographs taken in Ireland over the past year, as voted or by a panel of experts and the public.

The shortlisted photographers from Cork are:

• Richard Sweeney, from Ladysbridge, Co. Cork has been shortlisted with two photographs in the ‘Out of this World’ category. Below is ‘Cone Nebula’ and ‘The Jewel of Orion’ is featured above:

• Gaelle Lacquement, from Schull, Co. Cork has been shortlisted in the ‘Out of this World’ category for her image The Moon’.

• Sara Harvey, from Bishopstown, Co. Cork has been shortlisted in the ‘Out of this World’ category for her image ‘Jellyfish Nebula’, taken in her back garden.

Over 160 images were submitted to the competition in total this year, with 40 selected for the shortlist and public vote.

There are two categories; the ‘Out of this World’ category, which features images depicting elements of astronomical interest, and the ‘Back on Earth’ category, which features astro-landscape images that depict an element of astronomical interest and elements such as nature, cityscapes, land or water.

“The standard of entries has been excellent again this year,” said Professor Peter Gallagher of DIAS.

“It’s amazing what the photographers have been able to capture, from stars and galaxies that are millions of light-years away to stunning scenery back on earth.”

All shortlisted images can now be viewed at reachforthestars.ie, where members of the public can also cast their vote for their favourite image.

The winning images selected by the judging panel and the public vote will be announced in July, and an outdoor exhibition will be staged by DIAS in August.