Write a commentMembers of the Irish Astronomical Association (IAA) and the Ring of Gullion team will show you the wonders of the winter sky through their powerful telescopes as part of the area's Winter Solstice Festival 2016.
On Sunday 4 December from 5pm to 9pm at Cullyhanna Community Centre, gaze in awe at planets such as Earths sister planet Venus, Mercury and mysterious Mars. There will also be a crescent moon to showcase the 'Old Moon in the New Moon's Arms' and an opportunity to see the brightest object in the night sky after the Moon, the Evening Star.
Another treat will be a pass over of the International Space Station which will be easily visible with your own eyes if you know when and where to look.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Gillian Fitzpatrick said, “A magical evening awaits as sections of the night sky are unveiled by our guides. Star constellations will be explored to include Taurus, Gemini, Cancer and Orion the Mighty Hunter with his famous 'Sword' where you can witness stars and planets being born before your eyes. Other highlights will include exploring the Pleiades and Seven Sisters; the huge Andromeda Galaxy which is twice as big as our own Milky Way Galaxy and an incredible distance of 2.5 million light years, or about 25 milllion million million miles away.”
Councillor Fitzpatrick continued, “Armagh Planetarium have also kindly provided a portal Stardome to give amazing starshows touring the universe and an exhibition of all sorts of interests to do with astronomy and space, including a selection of meteorites will also be on display.”
Booking is essential. As the event takes place outdoors, appropriate footwear and warm clothing is advised. To book visit ringofgullion.org/events
