Write a commentThe Ring of Gullion Partnership has joined with the Irish Astronomical Association (IAA) to showcase the grandeur of the autumn sky through their powerful telescopes at Bluebell Lane Glamping, Mullaghbawn on Saturday week 5 October.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Charlie Casey said, “Even if it's cloudy there will be plenty to interest everyone: the IAA will deliver amazing star shows in their mobile Stardome, touring the universe from our own Earth to the far reaches of the universe.
“There will also be refreshments and a chance to have some toasted marshmallows at Bluebell Lane Glamping and those who come along will also have a chance to book into the Indoor Planetarium which is taking place in St Mary’s Primary School, Mullaghbawn.
“As well as the spectacular star shows, there will also be an exhibition of all sorts of interesting things to do with astronomy and space, including a selection of meteorites: rocks which have actually come from outer space to planet Earth.”
Those who come along to the event will be able to view Saturn and the Moon from about 7pm to 8pm as well as glimpsing the International Space Station as it passes over Ireland. IAA staff will be there to show everyone where to look to see what lies above, starting with the most familiar constellation, Orion.
Orion, known as the mighty hunter with his famous sword, is a gigantic cloud of shining gas and dust in which stars and planets are continuing to be born.
Orion's two brightest stars are Betelgeuse, a Red Supergiant so big that it would engulf the orbits of the three innermost planets in our solar system—Mercury, Venus and Earth. Rigel is not so big, but it's very hot, and tens of thousands of times brighter than our Sun.
Other wonders of the night sky that will be on view include the Pleiades or Seven Sisters; and the huge Andromeda Galaxy which is twice as big as the more familiar Milky Way galaxy, lying at the incredible distance of 2.5 million light years.
More details on the constellations you can hope to see are on the IAA website: www.irishastro.org
To book your place, visit: www.ringofgullion.org
