An exciting talk by Ronan Newman, National Co-0rdinator for Irish Astronomy Week,
The talk will take audiences on a breathtaking journey through two of the rarest and most magical spectacles of our night skies. From the shimmering, ghostly-blue veils of noctilucent clouds that appear in summer’s twilight, to the vivid curtains of the Aurora Borealis that dance across winter’s darkness, this talk explores the science, history, and folklore surrounding these celestial wonders.
Blending Irish myth and poetic tradition with modern astronomy, the presentation will reveal how these phenomena form, why they appear in our skies, and what they tell us about our planet’s atmosphere and space weather. Stunning imagery and time-lapse sequences will immerse the audience in the ethereal beauty of these natural lights, while stories from Irish culture connect us to the awe and mystery they’ve inspired for centuries. Whether you are a dreamer, a skywatcher, or a scientist, this journey will spark wonder and deepen your connection to the skies above Ireland and beyond.
Ronan Newman is a native of Claremorris and an avid amateur astronomer since childhood, he is also an astronomy communicator and enthusiastic aurora chaser with a long-standing passion for the night sky and with a particular interest in space weather and the Northern Lights. Ronan has spent recent years documenting rare auroral displays from Ireland’s west coast, especially County Mayo, during periods of heightened solar activity. Through talks, outreach events, and public astronomy programmes, he enjoys sharing both the science behind the aurora and the practical reality of seeing it from Ireland — from understanding solar storms to knowing when and where to look. Ronan is actively involved in promoting astronomy education and public engagement across Ireland through his project; Irish Astronomy Week.
