The event will take place on the evening of Thursday 9th January from 5-10pm and will bring together astronomical societies, universities and science facilitators in the museum’s Ballycultra town.
Organised by BBC Northern Ireland, in association with National Museums Northern Ireland, this celebration of space and astronomy will offer over 20 free stargazing activities in the cottages, churches and schoolrooms of this historical setting.
If you are fascinated by the universe then why not come along to see the night sky through the lens of impressive telescopes? You can take off and land with our rocket science shows, learn all about galaxies and comets and find out if you have what it takes to be an astronaut! You can control a telescope in Palma while you meet and quiz amateur and professional astronomers. As well as star shows in the inflatable dome you can join BBC Northern Ireland’s Barra Best for a host of talks and opportunities for Q&A and there will be plenty of space themed activities as well as arts and crafts for the whole family.
Astronomers – get involved. #Stargazing Live in just 7 days time. More details at http://t.co/Q9x2Z27IlE. pic.twitter.com/bjAZlWub27
— Barra Best (@barrabest) January 2, 2014
Queen’s University will also be revealing Northern Ireland’s first and only Planeterrella, a famous piece of apparatus that simulates the Aurora Borealis! More popularly known as the Northern Lights the Aurora was investigated over one hundred years ago by Norwegian physicist Kristian Birkeland. After leading a daring expedition to the Arctic, Birkeland was so inspired by nature’s own light show that he created an experiment in his Oslo laboratory to explain and demonstrate this incredible natural phenomenon.
Simulating the atmosphere 300,000 feet above our heads, the Planeterrella is the modern day equivalent of this experiment. Currently under construction in the Physics workshops at Queen’s University Belfast, the recreation has included help from Jean Lilensten of the Institut de Planétologie et d’Astrophysique de Grenoble and the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique. Jean is the scientist who first recreated the modern day version of Birkeland’s original experiment.
Those lucky enough to have seen the Northern Lights are treated to an incredible sight, a beautiful and dynamic light show, often coined ‘space-weather’. If the workshop at Queen’s completes the complicated build in time visitors to the Stargazing LIVE event could have the chance to see the auroral lights for themselves.
Broadcasting live from the event BBC Radio Ulster’s Starry Starry Night will return to the air waves between 7-9pm. Anne-Marie McAleese will present this popular astronomy special from the Diamond at the Folk Park, with a star-themed soundtrack and expert advice on what exactly you can see when you look up.
Entry to this event is free
- Entry to this event is free but will be on a first come first served basis and places on popular activities are limited.
- Some activities will take place outdoors and although there will be event lighting it will be dark so please dress appropriately and take care.
- Flat shoes and warm clothes are recommended.
- Outdoor activities will be weather dependent.
- All the museum car parks will be in use. Parking will be free of charge and shuttle buses from the car parks to the Folk Museum will be in operation from 5pm. Please allow extra time for this arrangement.
Stargazing events across the UK:
- As well as this BBC-led event, hundreds of other organisations are planning stargazing events and activities around the UK, including astronomical societies, science centres and schools. To find an event near you visit the BBC’s Things To Do website at bbc.co.uk/thingstodo
- There will also be street stargazing pop-up events led by experts across the UK, designed to show people how accessible astronomy can be even in towns and cities.
To accompany the events, BBC Learning is producing free resources, including a calendar with things to watch out for in the night sky throughout the year as well as fantastic facts on space weather, exploration and the Milky Way and other galaxies. This will be available to download at bbc.co.uk/stargazing or to pick up at Stargazing events. – See more at: http://www.nmni.com/uftm/What-s-on/Events/BBC-Stargazing-Live—Free#sthash.afPly4KR.dpuf
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