In a remarkable fusion of passion and profession, a Kilcullen-based dentist, Ralica Lica, has made headlines by winning the prestigious Back on Earth — Landscape category at the Reach for the Stars 2025 photography competition. Hosted by the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS), the competition invited photographers and astronomy enthusiasts from across the globe to showcase their celestial imagery.
Ralica’s winning photograph, titled “Aurora above the Golden Fields,” exquisitely captures the mesmerizing dance of the Northern Lights set against the backdrop of expansive golden fields. The photo is not just a testament to her skill with a camera but also reflects her unique perspective of the world around her.
Growing up with a fascination for both the human anatomy and the cosmos, Ralica has always strived to find a balance between her demanding career as a dentist and her passion for photography and nature. It was during one late autumn night, while taking a stroll in the countryside, that she witnessed a striking auroral display illuminating the sky. Inspired, Ralica seized the opportunity and prepared her camera equipment to capture this rare spectacle. After hours of waiting in the chilly night air, the display was beyond anything she could have imagined; vibrant shades of green, vivid purples, and soft pinks painted the sky in an ethereal dance.
When the competition was announced, Ralica decided to submit her photo, unsure of how it would fare against hundreds of entries from seasoned photographers. To her astonishment, the judges praised her image for its vividness and the feeling of serenity it conveyed, deeming it a ‘truly cosmic experience’.
Receiving the award was a culmination of both her artistic dreams and her scientific interests. She expressed gratitude towards the DIAS for hosting such competitions that not only celebrate art but also bridge the gap between science and creativity. Ralica plans to continue pursuing her photography while maintaining her practice, hoping to inspire others to appreciate the wonders of both their professions and the universe beyond.
The win serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most beautiful captures are found when we least expect it, all we need is to look up and embrace the beauty of the cosmos.
