Galway Astronomy Club is delighted to be hosting the AstroFest at the Menlo Park Hotel in Galway City on Saturday January 25 with registration open from 9.30am and running all day.
For anyone interested in astronomy and science, this event is not to be missed as it includes a series of talks, trade displays, photographic displays and a free lunchtime workshop for attendee’s.
On the Friday evening before at 8.00pm in the EYE Cinema they have a special screening of the blockbuster ‘Interstellar’ by Christopher Nolan, starring Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway and Michael Caine, another opportunity to see this film on the big screen.
Topics to be covered include talks by Jemima O’Farrell, Researcher at University of Galway, on how satellites help us understand and protect our planet and Deirdre Coffey, Associate Prof of Astrophysics & Space Science, UCD, on star formation.
Other talks include Dr Eoin O’Colgain, mathematical physicist at ATU Sligo, on making sense of Hubble’s constant tension and Hans Huybrighs, Research Fellow at Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies, on 20,000 Leagues under an alien ocean and finally, Anthony Murphy, author, citizen archaeologist & astronomer, on Irelands ancient astronomers. Altogether an interesting mix of talks.
The lunchtime workshop will be given by Dave McDonald an amateur astronomer, on how to set up your own observatory, something he accomplished himself in his own home in Co Kildare. So far he has discovered two asteroids, an eclipsing binary star and published two papers on asteroid rotations.
The talks are geared toward a general audience, yet appeal to both scientist and layman alike and if you have children over 11yrs who are interested in all things science and space please do bring them along as they love to see young audiences in attendance.
Top off the day with the festival dinner where attendees get the chance to meet and mingle with everyone at your ease and have the craic.
For full details visit https://www.galwayastronomyclub.ie/astrofest-2025/ or on Facebook
Tickets: Guest €30, Club Members €20, Students €20, Children (U16 ) Free, Festival Dinner €40 (online booking or on the door, cash only ).
Festival screening tickets available from the EYE Cinema https://www.eyecinema.ie/movies/1147882-interstella
