Far Out Events at Blackrock Castle Observatory
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 astro-related events. The most popular of these entertaining windows for science are First Fridays at the Castle held on the first Friday of every month and Movies by Moonlight held on the last Saturday of every month.
Movies by Moonlight is a film club with a difference, as a guided stargazing session facilitated by BCO astronomers accompanies each screening. In keeping with the theme of astronomy, Movies by Moonlight film club members look forward to viewing one of the world’s most spectacular sci-fi films each month. The next Movies by Moonlight event will be held on February 27th with a screening of 2009’s acclaimed lunar thriller Moon at 8pm. Directed by David Bowie’s son Duncan Jones, Moon is a remarkably shot film that gives an intense close up of the hallucinogenic mental state of a lone astronaut on a lunar base. The guided stargazing to follow should capture spectacular views of the Moon, Mars and Saturn. Movies by Moonlight is a BCO member’s only event (members may bring a guest) and at €30 for annual membership with many other bonuses included, this proves remarkable value for money.
First Fridays at the Castle is a free event held in association with Cork Astronomy Club that features lectures by visiting scholars, 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 the 5th March. The theme for March is space robotics and Ronan Newman, secretary of the Galway Astronomy Club, will give a presentation on Galileo, NASA’s robotic exploration mission to Jupiter and the Outer Solar System.
March will also see First Friday’s at the Castle introduce Cork’s first Café Scientifique, an active space where anyone can drop in and explore the latest ideas in science and technology. Café Scientifique will feature guest scientists talking in laymen's terms about their work in topical and controversial areas. This relaxed and informative approach that “makes science accessible” has proven a successful concept as Café Scientifique is now established in over forty cities across Europe.
The worldwide event Earth Hour will also feature on the BCO calendar for March. On the 27th March at 8.30pm it is expected that 1 billion people across the world will turn off their lights for one hour in honour of global sustainability. BCO will make special use of these dark conditions with a guided stargazing event that will focus on ‘star constellations and their history’. Those attending can also expect musical and visual entertainment until late.
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 astro-related events. The most popular of these entertaining windows for science are First Fridays at the Castle held on the first Friday of every month and Movies by Moonlight held on the last Saturday of every month.
Movies by Moonlight is a film club with a difference, as a guided stargazing session facilitated by BCO astronomers accompanies each screening. In keeping with the theme of astronomy, Movies by Moonlight film club members look forward to viewing one of the world’s most spectacular sci-fi films each month. The next Movies by Moonlight event will be held on February 27th with a screening of 2009’s acclaimed lunar thriller Moon at 8pm. Directed by David Bowie’s son Duncan Jones, Moon is a remarkably shot film that gives an intense close up of the hallucinogenic mental state of a lone astronaut on a lunar base. The guided stargazing to follow should capture spectacular views of the Moon, Mars and Saturn. Movies by Moonlight is a BCO member’s only event (members may bring a guest) and at €30 for annual membership with many other bonuses included, this proves remarkable value for money.
First Fridays at the Castle is a free event held in association with Cork Astronomy Club that features lectures by visiting scholars, 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 the 5th March. The theme for March is space robotics and Ronan Newman, secretary of the Galway Astronomy Club, will give a presentation on Galileo, NASA’s robotic exploration mission to Jupiter and the Outer Solar System.
March will also see First Friday’s at the Castle introduce Cork’s first Café Scientifique, an active space where anyone can drop in and explore the latest ideas in science and technology. Café Scientifique will feature guest scientists talking in laymen's terms about their work in topical and controversial areas. This relaxed and informative approach that “makes science accessible” has proven a successful concept as Café Scientifique is now established in over forty cities across Europe.
The worldwide event Earth Hour will also feature on the BCO calendar for March. On the 27th March at 8.30pm it is expected that 1 billion people across the world will turn off their lights for one hour in honour of global sustainability. BCO will make special use of these dark conditions with a guided stargazing event that will focus on ‘star constellations and their history’. Those attending can also expect musical and visual entertainment until late.
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