A Mullingar resident is on a mission to bring outer space to the people. You don’t need a spaceship to see the stars, planets and the wonders of the universe.
A local company, SkyDome Academy, brings its digital mobile planetarium to schools and other venues all over Ireland. The mobile planetarium is a large inflatable dome which you enter to see the night sky in all its glory. Oliver Haughey started the SkyDome Academy earlier this year using redundancy money from his previous employment. He has since been traveling the entire country to bring astronomy to school students. Oliver says, “Students of all ages from junior infants up to Leaving Cert really enjoy the SkyDome planetarium. There is a real buzz of excitement in the SkyDome from the start of the session. As soon as the sun sets and the stars become visible the participants know there are in for a real treat.” As well as being entertaining there is a real educational value for secondary and primary students.
Discover science
For primary schools, a visit from the SkyDome mobile planetarium will complete step two for the award of science and maths excellence on the discover primary science and maths programme. Teachers are realising they can avoid a lot of hassle and expense by bringing an exhibitor to the school. As one teacher in Gaelscoil Na Cille said “Children thoroughly enjoyed it, hard to believe we were in the school hall! Overall a brilliant experience for everyone - one of the best.”
Night classes
In October, The SkyDome Academy will start an eight week course for adults. Classes will be held on Monday nights in Mullingar and will run for two hours from 7-9pm. This is a rare opportunity to learn about the night sky whilst sitting looking up at it. Only a planetarium can bring the experience alive as you zoom in on the planets and their moons. By the end of the course not only will students know what is out there, they will be able to find it on a clear night.
Most children and adults will never get to visit one of the large fixed planetariums but the SkyDome digital mobile planetarium can come to you. Don’t miss your chance!
For more information contact Oliver
on (086 ) 8151666.
