MyScience.ie

 

Astronomy isn’t just about formal learning, says Robert Hill, of the N.I. Space Office (NISO) at the Armagh Planetarium. It also offers perspective on our culture and a non-contentious way of looking at other people’s religion and heritage. Perhaps most importantly the stunning images of outer space provided by the latest telescope technologies inspire people to get involved in science and mathematics.

“We all live under one sky, wherever we may be in the world. For example, when it comes to the constellations, we follow the Greek experience, but in China for example, they follow their own experience –even though it’s all the same sky,” explains Hill.

Hill will explore such themes during a public presentation on Saturday at 10:00 A.M. in the University of Limerick. It’s all part “a prequel” to the International Year of Astronomy, which takes place next year, says Hill.  

Hill will share some suggestions for DIY astronomy projects, talk about how astronomy has shaped our percpetion of ourselves and the world, and offer a whirlwind history of space observation and spaceflight since Galileo.  [Of course, beteen 1845 and 1917 Ireland played host to the world's largest telescope --the Leviathan, in Birr (main pic).]   

The University of LImerick is hosting a “Family Fun Day of Science Engineering and Technology” throughout Saturday, so if you’re in the vicinity tomorrow, make sure to stop by –and use the comments section to let us know how you got on. If you can’t make it to UL tomorrow, don’t despair: the Astronomy Ireland website is a good place to start looking for other local astronomy and space-related events.

Taken any cool pics with your telescope? Send them into us –along with a description– and we’ll post them on the blog.