News Archive 2019

Earlier in 2018, we secured funding from the International astronomical Union (IAU) and the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) to develop an exhibition that does not rely on the traditionally visual side of astronomy. Our project aims at enabling participants to learn more about the Solar System through a low cost tactile planetarium, which includes a scale representation of the planets using household materials, an asteroid tunnel made by local Irish artists and models of the planets made by a professional artist based in the UK. We also incorporated lights and open discussions to appeal to participants’ other senses and to convey a taste for astronomy to all participants regardless their age or ability.

During the Galway Science Technology Festival 2018, we exhibited the planetarium for the first time as an inclusive space where children and families of all abilities and ages could engage with their peers and explore the outer space through their senses. More than 200 people attended the exhibition and the feedback was very positive.

Organisers:

Adriana Cardinot, PhD student, School of Physics, NUIG

Dr Jessamyn Fairfield, Lecturer, School of Physics, NUIG

Prof. Andy Shearer, Lecturer, School of Physics, NUIG

Artists:

Kelly Stanford, Finbar McHugh and Tommy Carew

Collaborators:

IMPACTE and ISL societies

School of Physics

School of Physics

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