Next outdoor Event
Stargaze Under Ancient Skies at Knowth + Talk on Ancient Cosmology
The Irish Astronomical Society in association with the OPW is pleased to invite you to join us for a fascinating evening under the stars!
Our event will kick off with an engaging lecture on Ancient Cosmology by Dr Frank Prendegast (see talk details below), followed by a thrilling observation night where you can gaze at the wonders of the cosmos through modern telescopes at this beautiful historical site.
Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to explore the universe with fellow astronomy enthusiasts!
Date and time: Tue, 29 Apr 2025 20:00 – 22:30
Location: Knowth National Monument (Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre: Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth | Heritage Ireland)
Knowth is an ancient Neolithic site located in County Meath, Ireland, and is one of the most important and impressive archaeological locations in Europe. It is part of the Brú na Bóinne UNESCO World Heritage Site, alongside Newgrange and Dowth. Knowth is particularly famous for its large, circular mound, which is over 5,000 years old.
Tickets are free, however due to the venue capacity there are a limited number of tickets available and so booking is required.
Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/irish-astronomical-soc-stargaze-at-knowth-talk-on-ancient-cosmology-tickets-1324009139979?aff=oddtdtcreator
Important information
All children must be with an adult caregiver and the event is for 12s only.
When visiting this national monument, it’s essential for visitors to show respect for the site’s historical, cultural, and environmental significance. This includes following all posted rules and regulations, staying on designated paths, and refraining from touching or damaging artifacts or structures.
Unfortunately visitors will not be allowed to bring their own telescopes, as permission has only been provided for IAS telescopes from OPW.
Please note photographs taken during the event are for personal use only. Photographs must not be taken for resale or for use on third party websites or social media pages. Commercial photography is not permitted.
Talk description:
“Pleiades rising – Cultural significance and ancient cosmology”
The talk includes a reference to light pollution and its effect on modern viewing of the Pleiades star cluster
Summary Biography for Frank Prendergast
Frank is a chartered geodetic surveyor, archaeo-astronomer and holds a PhD awarded by the School of Archaeology, University College Dublin (2011). His work blends archaeological findings with spatial data mainly collected in the Irish landscape to ask and answer theoretical questions related to how prehistoric societies perceived their world and skyscape. Research methods include site surveys, spatial data processing and probability analysis. By layering these data onto the archaeological record, meaning can be extracted to advance our understanding of the cosmologies and symbolic perceptions of preliterate societies who lived during the Neolithic, Bronze Age and Iron Age. He continues to publish his findings, lecture internationally and advises heritage organisations on relevant cultural matters. He co-presented the Winter Solstice Livestream from Newgrange with Dr Clare Tuffy since 2020 and is the author of Newgrange Solstice Research Report 2024 published by the World Heritage Unit UNESCO, National Monuments Service, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (download available at Publications Archives – World Heritage Ireland).
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