Michael O'Connell Wins Astrophotography Competition!

Well done on the achievement Michael, and a superb photo to boot! You kept that competition pretty quiet - afraid of a little, er, competition?

Dear Michael,

Many congrats from me as well. The photo is very impressive and most worthy of the honour!

I had received an email from S@N surrounding the competition but decided not to enter on purpose and after reading the rules and regulations.

What really pushed me away is the fact that both the Greenwich Observatory as well as the magazine can use the submitted photos (1) ANY way they like, (2) without your permission and (3) royalty-free. In other words, you provide them full rights (and non-exclusive ownership) by participating in the contest.

Anthony.

Yep. A great photo Michael. And great accolades also.

V. well done indeed.

Paul

Well done Michael, great photo.

Michael.

Michael, that is brilliant news. Well done and congratulations!
Bernie

Thanks everyone for the kind words.

I entered the competition just for the heck of it with absolutely no expection of anything happening. However, over the last couple of weeks, I received a number of e-mails from ROG requesting further details on the image. I knew things were getting good when I got a License Agreement to sign concerning use of the image, percentage royalties etc. I was also told approx 7-10 days ago that my image was in the final 5 for the Our Solar System categry but was asked not to broadcast to as they were preparing press releases etc.

So, I flew over there yesterday and went to ROG for 6:30pm. They really made a great effort to make everyone feel welcome with a lovely wine reception. Then when the winners were announced, I really couldn't believe it! After the presentation of the prizes, they brought us in to the display room where all 20 images are on display until early Jaurnay next year. The display is very nicely done with all images on light-illumianted glass panels which really bring the images to life compared to standard colour prints. Overall, it was a fantastic evening with the chance to mingle with other photographers and the crews of the Sky at Night magazine & programme. The prize money covered the flights, trains, food, tolls, parking fees etc and I got a 1 year sub to the Sky at Night magazine. However, the experience of the evening was fantastic irrespective of the money.

I was in two minds about going over to the event in the first place as I was quite pessimistic of my chances afer seeing the other images shortlisted - many thanks to Dee for her encouragement & support! Many thanks also to Dave Mc for his support and publishing details up here.

Regards & Thanks,

Michael.