The inaugural assembly of the Astronomical Observatories of Eire (AOI) Technique Oversight Board befell on Monday 9 September at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium. It marks the tip of an necessary first 12 months for the reason that signing of a proper Memorandum of Understanding between the companions in September 2023. The Astronomical Observatories of Eire is a novel North-South partnership of Armagh, DIAS Dunsink and Birr Observatories. These are three of the oldest Observatories on the planet. Collectively, over three centuries, they’ve made a big contribution to international astronomy, and proceed to be dwelling centres of astronomical and astrophysics analysis of world significance.
As a proper modern-day partnership the AOI’s core functions are to contribute to island-wide analysis collaboration in astronomy and astrophysics, heritage collaboration together with looking for UNESCO World Heritage Standing, and outreach and placemaking to create larger entry to scientific schooling and heritage throughout the AOI websites in Armagh, Dunsink and Birr. The AOI represents the island of Eire’s international providing of a novel heritage of excellent common worth comprising the telescopes, buildings, archives, and the scientific and cultural historical past that the observatories characterize.
The primary assembly of the AOI Technique Board was Chaired by Archbishop John McDowell, Chair of Armagh Observatory and Planetarium Board of Governors. The Archbishop of Armagh can be the patron in perpetuity of Armagh Observatory since its basis in an Act of the Irish Parliament handed in 1791, six years after the institution of Dublin Institute of Superior Research – Dunsink Observatory. Birr Telescope, constructed within the 19th Century, was the biggest telescope on the planet for over 70 years.
Key senior officers from the Joint Administration Committee had been in attendance and the Oversight Board obtained a report from the Partnership’s Strategic Advisor, Caitriona Mullan, offering an outline of labor progressed throughout the AOI’s pillars of co-operation, Analysis, Heritage, Training/Outreach and Placemaking, and regarded key priorities for the 12 months forward.
Archbishop McDowell welcomed everybody to the assembly and commented “ the in depth work programme progressed, particularly the work in the direction of submitting an software to be thought-about as transnational UNESCO World Heritage candidate involving Eire and UK nomination processes is to be counseled”.
Professor Mary Fowler, Chair of Dublin Institute for Superior Research Faculty of Cosmic Physics Board added “that is an incredible alternative for these three observatories to be absolutely recognised worldwide”.
John Carroll, from the Board of Birr Scientific and Heritage Basis thanked the Joint Administration Committee for the numerous progress made within the final 12 months and famous “this distinctive challenge bringing collectively the Cities of Armagh and Dublin within the north and south of the nation with rural Birr within the midlands and their wealthy historical past of collaboration may be very inspiring”
In concluding Members of the Oversight Board and Joint Administration Committee affirmed dedication to persevering with to progress the goals of the challenge, together with the following massive milestone of submitting a UNESCO World Heritage Tentative Listing software.
Explore the Rosse Observatory at Birr Castle;
World Heritage Aspirations – DIAS Dunsink Observatory;
World Heritage Aspirations – Armagh Observatory and Planetarium
