The Great Telescope at Birr Castle – an EPS Historic Site
The Great Telescope at Birr Castle, the astounding achievement of one man, has been recognised as a European Physical Society Historic Site. Karl Grandin, Chair of the EPS Historic Sites Committee, represented the Society at a ceremony on September 20, commenting on the Castle’s “remarkable and unique history”.
The Castle (http://www.birrcastle.com) lies in the very centre of Ireland. In addition to the historic telescope, it has an interpretative Science Centre and is home to the I-LOFAR radio telescope, all set within its magnificent grounds and open to visitors all year round.
In the words of the present Earl of Rosse, “This is a wonderful occasion for the town of Birr and indeed for all of Ireland. The Great Telescope is a huge part of our scientific cultural heritage. It was built here in 1845 by the 3rd Earl and remained the world’s largest telescope from 1845 to 1917. Its most famous discovery was the spiral nature of the galaxies, in particular Nebula M51, now known as the Whirlpool Galaxy. The discovery that the nebula was much more than a cloud of dust and gas – it was actually a spiral of stars – was the very first hint at the existence of other galaxies”. Indeed, this may be regarded as the point in time when astronomy began to develop into astrophysics. Fittingly, a physicist-poet, Iggy McGovern, read “Reflections”, composed for the occasion.
Visitors will discover astronomical instruments, cameras, photographs and photographic equipment used by the Third and Fourth Earls and Mary, Countess of Rosse, in the middle and late 1800s. Also on display is electrical and engineering equipment originally belonging to Charles Parsons, a member of the family who perfected the revolutionary steam turbine, as well as a large area devoted to the botanical work associated with the gardens.
Lord Rosse and Karl Grandin with the commemorative plaque. Seated to the left are Charlie Flanagan, Minister for Justice, and Denis Weaire, former President of the EPS.
