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IN AN IRISH first, Dublin’s Dunsink Observatory has been designated a European site of historical significance by the European Physical Society.
The physics organisation gave the observatory the nod in recognition of the genius of William Rowan Hamilton, one of Ireland’s greatest mathematicians, who lived and worked in the observatory from 1827 until his death in 1865.
Other locations to have been awarded the honour include Einstein’s house in Bern, Switzerland, and Marie Skłodowska Curie’s laboratory in Paris.
The President of the European Physical Society, Professor Rüdiger Voss, and the Minister of State for Higher Education, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, will unveil a plaque to commemorate the designation tomorrow morning.
The observatory has been part of the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS) since 1947.
Like many older European observatory buildings it is now mainly used as a venue for small meetings and workshops, for public outreach and as residential accommodation.
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I remember going there with my parents many years ago, it’s was a jupiter night. I remember staring through the telescope and seeing the plant so clearly. And I have always been fascinated with the sky ever since. It’s always a lovely memory of my family when we were all young, and I’ll never forget it.
I am signed up to astronomy ireland but never seem to be free when they do their public nights in Dunsink. But I will get to one, for old time sake and I’ll will be wonderful! Lots of love, Paul
@Paul Hutchin: aww my little lad only went two months back with his dad, he loved every moment a lot of it was all lectures but still loved the big telescope, oh and it was all free? They do announcements on their fb page abt open nights, but you have to show an interest and be chosen. Best of luck.
Stars in their eyes.
@Paul Laing: The word, ‘site’ sez it all as far as dunsink is concerned.
@Patabake Kennedy: one has to look beyond the chaff on the ground to see the beauty of the stars. But yeah, a no-go travellers area on the base of a science pilgrimage site it’s a bit galling! Like having a plastic dumping ground in the Galapagos.
Also the location of DMT, 25 minutes behind GMT. Pre 1916 rising.
Was there today to witness the event. Dunsink Observatory has a very rich and proud heritage in Irish culture and science including mathematics and astronomy. It was nice to be a part of history, made today. Adults and children alike getting to touch the Grubb South Refractor, a telescope I have been privileged to observe through. Events like today’s only help to cement Dunsink’s importance and help boost its preservation for future generations.
Seanie Morris,
Midlands Astronomy Club,
Tullamore.
Really need to do the Hamilton Walk.
I could see the dome of that great building from my bedroom window as a child. I drove up to it a couple of months ago.
So depressing to see the state it is in and the way it is almost a no go area thanks to our traveller friends who have had access to it under siege for the last 40 yrs.
have your say