Castle gives students scope to understand universe

HI-TECH telescopes atop an ancient castle will be used to hunt for new planets and quasars.

But the blazing sun was the focus of attention yesterday as Cork’s landmark Blackrock Castle was unveiled as the country’s first robotic observatory.

Astronomers took advantage of the glorious weather and used special telescopes to give dignitaries a view of the sun at the launch of the cutting-edge research and visitor centre.