SkyMatters: This October sees Ireland’s first National Space Week

The month of October is somewhat special this year as Ireland welcomes its first National Space Week, running from October 3rd – 8th and coordinated by Blackrock Castle Observatory in Cork. 

You can see what events are running, or register your own events, on www.spaceweek.ie. Already, there is a really exciting and diverse mix of events from around the country, emphasising the interest that Irish people have in space.

That interest should not surprise us too much. Ireland has a long and rich heritage in space. For example, the oldest known and unequivocally astronomically-aligned structure is Newgrange in Co. Meath, built over 5000 years ago and still operational to this day. The stunning architecture and sophisticated design of this prehistoric tomb leaves no doubt as to the intent of the builders and their expertise in executing their cutting-edge design. If there were prizes for “smart tombs”, Newgrange would surely dominate the awards.