Birr Theatre to host public talk on space exploration – Offaly Independent

Published: Mon 30 Aug 2021, 5:47 PM

Last updated: Wed 1 Sep 2021, 5:14 AM

One of Ireland's leading science communicators is set to host a very interesting talk on space exploration in Birr Theatre and Arts Centre next week.

Dr. Niamh Shaw is an engineer, scientist, writer and performer and one the leading STEAM specialists (merging science, technology, engineering and matchs" and she will be in Birr on Wednesday, September 8 nect, at 7.30pm for a public talk titled "Space Exploration - do we care?"

Dr. Shaw will speak about the relevance of space in society, what the perspective of space can show us, and why space exploration is important to us and our futures.

Weve all looked up at the night sky and seen the moon, the stars and perhaps more. Space has inspired so many: it inspires artists, philosophers & cosmologists to consider the big questions about our existence and who we are in the vastness of our Universe. It inspires space agencies and now private companies to seek what lies beyond. And at this time, its given great comfort to many of us, reminding us that we are part of something bigger, and that this pandemic will pass. Niamh, who believes in dreaming big, and is on a mission to get to space, will take us on a journey to understand how far we have come since humans landed on the Moon in 1969, and why she believes that we need to keep exploring the cosmos.

As part of the 'Exploring Birr Skies' community project which is inspired by Birr's astronomy heritage from the time of William Parsons, 3rd Earl of Rosse (1800 - 1867) to I-LOFAR's astrophysical observing facility within Birr Castle Demesne, Niamh will be in Birr throughout September hosting a range of additional activities including:

* a walking tour of I-LOFAR on Wed Sept 15 at 6pm with Dr. ine Flood from the Education Centre at Birr Castle Demesne,

* A Night Sky Stargazing event in association with Midlands Astronomy Club on Culture Night, Fri Sept 17, from 8.30pm at Birr Castle Demesne, and

* On Thurs Sept 23 at Birr Theatre, the screening of 'Contact', a 1997 American science fiction film directed by Robert Zemeckis, based on the 1985 novel by astronomer and planetary scientist Carl Sagan, about a SETI scientist who finds evidence of extraterrestrial life and is chosen to make first contact. For

Full information on the upcoming programme of events and getting involved in the accompanying stitching project, go to http://www.birrtheatre.com

To book your place for 'Space exploration - do we care?' with Dr. Niamh Shaw on Wed Sept 8, 7.30pm, go to http://www.birrtheatre.com or ring 057 9122911 (Mon- Fri: 2 5pm). As places are limited booking is essential. All events will take place in line with current government guidelines. See website for future details.

'Exploring Birr Skies' is a community project in collaboration with Birr Theatre & Arts Centre, Birr Tidy Towns, Birr Castle Demesne and AstroLands with I-LOFAR, led by Trinity College Dublin. Supported by the Creative Ireland Programme (2017 -2022) in partnership with Offaly County Council.

Published: Mon 30 Aug 2021, 5:47 PM

Last updated: Wed 1 Sep 2021, 5:14 AM

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Birr Theatre to host public talk on space exploration - Offaly Independent