A drawing of M51, by the third Earl of Rosse.
A exceptional exhibition of historic astronomical drawings, together with sketches believed to have influenced Vincent van Gogh’s The Starry Night time, has opened at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium. The exhibition showcases the famend Rosse drawings—extraordinary depictions of spiral nebulae created in Birr, County Offaly, between 1845 and 1866 utilizing the Nice Telescope, the world’s largest on the time.
These sketches, drawn by the third Earl of Rosse below difficult night-time situations, mark a pivotal second in astronomy, capturing cosmic buildings earlier than the age of astrophotography. They provide a captivating perception into the hyperlink between science and artwork, demonstrating how early astronomers not solely explored the universe but additionally meticulously documented their discoveries by way of illustration.
The works on this exhibition are one of many earliest examples of the Astronomical Observatories of Eire (AOI) partnership, which unites Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, Dublin Institute for Superior Research – Dunsink Observatory, and the Birr Scientific and Heritage Basis. The initiative highlights Eire’s historic management in astronomy and its continued contributions to science, heritage, and public engagement.
Talking on the launch, Archbishop John McDowell, Chair of the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium Board of Governors, emphasised the importance of the drawings:
“I’m delighted to welcome stakeholders from throughout the partnership areas to the launch of the exhibition in Armagh, it’s becoming that this represents the legacy of one of many earliest collaborations of three nice scientists – William Hamilton, Director of Dunsink and famend mathematician, Romney Robinson, Director of Armagh Observatory, astronomer and William Parsons, 3rd Earl of Rosse, the Engineer. I’m happy to see immediately’s trendy partnership going from power to power because it was launched in June 2023 and importantly that an software to be thought of as a UNESCO world heritage website is shifting ahead for consideration as a transboundary website together with Eire and Northern Eire authorities.”
Alicia Clements highlighted the inventive and technical brilliance of the drawings:
‘The Story of the Heavens’ by Robert Ball, Royal Astronomer of Eire and tutor to the Rosse Household.
“Think about sketching from a wood platform, 10 meters excessive, on freezing winter nights, utilizing solely a crimson lantern for gentle. These drawings are astounding of their precision. Even throughout conservation efforts, we marvelled at how they had been achieved.”
The Rosse Drawings Exhibition runs at Armagh Planetarium from Friday, January 31 – Sunday, April 27. Guests can entry the exhibition with basic admission or as a part of a Planetarium expertise.
For extra data and ticket particulars, go to www.armagh.space/planetarium/show-prices.
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