Stunning images of the Connemara Aurora Borealis by award-winning photographer Adrian Nolan will be exhibited during Irish Astronomy Week from March 21st.
This year’s programme “isn't just about looking through telescopes—it’s a celebration of local talent, environmental conservation, and the cutting edge of planetary science”, the Irish Astronomy Week national co-ordinator Ronan Newman states.
“A Cork native who has found his muse in the Galway landscape, Nolan has spent over a decade blending his passion for biodiversity with technical astrophotography,” he says.
Nolan’s credentials include a 2023 win in the national Teagasc Forestry Development competition and a recent shortlisting in the DIAS Reach for the Stars competition.
His celebrated image of the Aurora Borealis over Pine Island in Connemara “serves as a testament to the 'dark sky treasures hidden in our own backyard”, Newman states.
The week-long programme features a deep dive into planetary defence and exploration, the scientific origins of planets and the vital importance of protecting our status from light pollution.
Enda O'Loughlin will deliver a specialised talk in Gort on March 25th on the art of capturing the night sky from a uniquely West of Ireland perspective.
A dedicated session in Clifden on March 21st will highlight Galway’s role as a guardian of the natural night environment—a vital topic for local tourism and biodiversity.
The programme includes 100 events in four provinces, with free admission, but early arrival is advised.
Full programme details are here
