Oct 1 2010
CIT Blackrock Castle Observatory prides itself as a centre that provides scientific stimulation in a fun and unique environment . This energetic concept is highlighted through BCO s regular open night events. The most popular of these entertaining windows for science are First Fridays at the Castle held on the first Friday of every month.
First Fridays at the Castle is a free event held in association with the Cork Science Caf and the Cork Astronomy Club. It features lectures and discussions by visiting scientists, guided stargazing in Blackrock Castle s courtyard and workshop activities for children. The next First Fridays at the Castle event will run from 6-10pm on Friday October 1. Frances McCarthy, CIT Blackrock Castle Observatory s in-house astronomer, will lead four family friendly half-hour workshops called The Planisphere, Knowing our Night Sky.The Cork Science Cafe will discuss nanotechnology at 7pm when Brenda Long will lead an informal discussion entitled Computers made from Pencil Lead.The astronomy theme for October is Archaeoastronomy and at 8pm Terry Mosely will deliver a lecture on Sun, Moon, Stars and Stones the Story of Archaeoastronomy in Ireland .
Newgrange is the oldest confirmed astronomical structure in the world, but there are many other megalithic monuments in Cork and elsewhere in Ireland which have some astronomical significance. Just how much did the builders of these prehistoric passage tombs, mounds, circles etc know about the objects in the sky above them? Did they have accurate calendars, and predict eclipses? What can these ancient sites tell us?
The exhibit Cosmos at the Castle is open and free to visitors at First Fridays at the Castle. Enjoy Denis Walsh s exciting photography exhibition, which shows the results of Astronomical Use of Cameras. Join us stargazing in the courtyard with Jupiter and Capella visible weather dependent. There is ample free parking and the Castle Bar and Restaurant is open till late.