Keynote Speakers and Events
Department of Physics, Oxford University
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Keynote talk: 'Astronomy and Poetry', Friday 13th June
Dublin, Institute for Advanced Studies
Keynote talk: 'From Newgrange to the Extremely Large Telescope: Monuments of Ingenuity in the Quest to Understand Our Universe', Thursday 12th June
School of Archaeology and Ancient History, University of Leicester
Keynote talk: "Sighting the Sun — and Moon? — at Stonehenge"?, Monday 9th June
Sunday, 8 June, 6:00-9:00 pm
Welcome Reception at the Rotunda of Belfast City Hall
Delegates will have the chance to explore Belfast's rich history through a private, guided tour of this iconic building, including exclusive access to areas usually off-limits to the public, such as The Council Chamber and the Robing Room, where the civic chains and official jewels are showcased. The experience will be further enriched by poetry readings by Darcey Dugan, Kali Cramer, and Matthew Rice (QUB and Seamus Heaney Centre), offering a unique blend of history and literary artistry.
Monday, 9 June, 6:00-7:30pm, Location TBC
Organ Concert - Professor Maestro Gianluca Petagna
The Astral Assonances between J.S. Bach and M. Reger: The Contrapuntal Multiplicities of their Compositions
Professor Maestro Gianluca Petagna is a distinguished organist and teacher of Historical Keyboards, Organ, and Compositional Analysis. He collaborates with Monsignor Pablo Colino, Prefect of Music at the Vatican. Petagna has performed extensively in Italy and abroad, including concerts with the Orchestre de Chambre Vivaldi of Paris and collaborations with the Ensemble of artists of the Chorus of the Teatro alla Scala in Milan. His performances have been broadcast by RAI (National Italian Radio and Television) and Vatican Radio, showcasing his expertise in both ancient and modern instruments.
Monferrato Classic Academy profile
Tuesday, 10 June, 11:00 am-1:00 pm
Tour of Belfast
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Belfast city aboard a distinctive double-decker bus. An expert tour guide will lead you on a journey to uncover the city's history, showcasing its most important monuments and its vibrant, colorful murals.
Wednesday, June 11 from 8 PM
Join us for an evening at the Dark Horse Pub with live traditional Irish music.
Location: 30 Hill St, Belfast BT1 2LB.
Thursday, 12 June, from 7:00 pm
Conference Dinner at Belfast Castle
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This iconic mansion, situated in Cave Hill Country Park, stands 400 feet above sea level, offering breathtaking views over the City of Belfast and Belfast Lough. With its stunning location, Belfast Castle provides the perfect backdrop for a stellar banquet and an unforgettable, astronomical conference dinner. The dinner will feature captivating cabaret entertainment by Lynda Williams, "The Physics Chanteuse" (Link to Lynda Williams' website).
Friday, 13 June
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium
The conference will take place in the Copernicus Hall at Armagh Planetarium and will feature a tour of the Observatory. Bus transportation to and from Queen's University Belfast to Armagh Observatory has been arranged for attendees.
Saturday, 14 June
Optional trip to some of Ireland's most breathtaking archaeoastronomical sites
🚨 Attention 🚨
The trip to Newgrange is fully booked, and no further registrations can be accepted. However, there is still availability for the trip to Dunsink Observatory on the same day. Register soon if interested!
Organised bus transport provided.
The Megalithic Passage Tombs of Newgrange, Knowth, and Dowth in County Meath date back to around 3,200 BC, predating Stonehenge and the Pyramids of Giza. These ancient structures, part of the Boyne Valley Mounds, are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Newgrange is famous for its winter solstice sunrise alignment, which illuminates its passage and chamber.
Knowth has two passages and is surrounded by seventeen satellite cairns.
Dowth, the Fairy Mound of Darkness, is similar in size and age to the other tombs. A damaging excavation in 1847 revealed two tombs, Dowth North and Dowth South. Dowth South aligns with the setting sun of the winter solstice, illuminating its passage and chamber.
These sites, rich in history and megalithic art, are subjects of debate regarding their original purpose, whether as burial tombs, sacred temples, or astronomical observatories.
Saturday, 14 June
Optional Trip to Dunsink Observatory and Distillery
On this day, there is an opportunity to visit Dunsink Observatory and a nearby distillery. Transportation is organised for participants.
Dunsink Observatory: Participants will have the chance to explore Ireland's oldest purpose-built scientific building. The observatory is renowned for its contributions to astronomy and offers insights into celestial navigation and historical telescopes. Visitors can enjoy guided tours and learn about the significant scientific achievements made here.
Distillery Tour: This visit includes a guided tour of the distillery, where you can observe the distillation process and understand the craftsmanship behind premium spirits.
